Pt. Vijay Raghav Rao : SUNRISE (Vol. 1)

This album presents three selections typifying the quintessentially symbiotic relationship between the genius of Pt. Vijay Raghav Rao and his art form. All three performances are rooted in the natural metaphor of a rising sun. 

“Played with feeling and expansively, impressing upon instrumental utterance the variety and richness of his ideas. One admires the grave, temperate sweetness of his flute; its sheen, smoothness and emotional charm.” - The Statesman

“Rays from sunrise drew forth buds and stretched them into long stalks, lifted up sap in noiseless streams, opened petals, and sucked out scents in invisible jets and breathings” - Thomas Hardy  

1. Miyan Ki Todi 

In the canon of the classical music of India there is no Raga more traditional than Miyan Ki Todi, originally created by the doyen of Indian composers Miyan Tansen (1506-1585). In this performance Panditji meticulously preserves Tansen’s prescribed tonal structure while delineating four original, modern compositions intermingled seamlessly in a single movement of varying rhythmic meters. True to Panditji's reputation, ancient tradition finds new voice for a future worthy of its roots. 

Alaap; Chota Khayal (Jhap Taal, 10 beats/cycle);  Saadra (Jhap Taal, 10 beats/cycle); Drut (Teen Taal, 16 beats/cycle) 

Tabla: Pt. Girdhar Prasad Jaipurwale  

Swarmandal: Pt. Anant Bhonsle 

2. Bairagi Bhairav 

In this performance, Panditji presents a deeply introspective interpretation of a rare melodic scale. Pensive and sonorous, the original composition mines the intricacies of the lower octaves to delineate a mood of spiritual enlightenment. Upon contemplation the attuned ear can fathom oneness of sound, beauty and spirit. 

Bada Khayal (Vilambit, Ek Taal, 12 beats/cycle) 

Tabla: Pt. Mahadev Indorkar 

3. Bhoopkali 

This selection is a live encore performance of one of Panditji’s own contributions to the canon of Indian classical music. Literally meaning ‘flower born of light / sunflower’, the composition is a fine example of Panditji’s impressionistic muse. The music sparkles with innocent vivacity and elegant wisdom. Intellectual music, the composition seems to say, can entertain.    

Drut (Ek Taal, 12 beats/cycle) 

2nd Flute: Dr. Vijay Vardhan Elchuri 

Tabla: Sanjay Kumar

 

Pt. Vijay Raghav Rao : SUNRISE (Vol. 1)

Originally recorded live in Bombay, India and Springfield, VA, USA 

Special thanks to Smt. Lakshmi V. Rao 

Sound Executive Dr. Vijay Vardhan Elchuri  Executive Producer Sanjay Kumar 

 © 2013 by Pt. Vijay Raghav Rao & family 

From The Red & Green Company