Khayal Classical Vocal: Pt. Rajan Sajan Mishra (Audio CD)

Highly regarded as the most successful duo of our times, Pandits Rajan and Sajan Mishra are known for their extensive repertoire of Khayal. Endowned with sonorous and sensitive voices, the Mishra brothers also render effortlessly light classical forms such as Tappa, Tarana and Bhajan.

With rich and well cultivated voices that complement each other extremely well, these brothers have raised the duet form of singing to new heights of spiritual sublimity.

Having performed at major concerts all over India and abroad, Rajan-Sajan Mishra’s creativity and contribution to the art have won them global recognition.

The Mishra brothers believe in keeping alive the classical tradition of Guru-Shishya parampara and have created Gurukuls in Banaras and Dehradun, to train students who share their fervent passion for music.

Today, Pandits Rajan and Sajan Mishra truly represent the spirit of Jugalbandi and whether it is a live performance or a recorded composition, audiences get enthralled by the near telepathic rapport and flawless renditions. The music rendered by them although emanates from two bodies; to the listener it seems as originating from one soul.

About the Ragas:

In this album on ‘Khayal’ three full fledged Ragas have been featured. The album opens with a morning Raga Gujri Todi in which they have presented vilambit Khayal followed by a Tarana. The second track is Raga Jog, a night melody presented in madhyalaya and drut khayals. The album concludes with the majestic night raga Malkauns followed by a Tarana.

‘Khayal’ is a contemporary popular from Hindustani Classical Vocal Music to present a complete picture of the melodic scale called the ‘Raga’. Its genesis is the austere form called ‘Dhrupad’. ‘Khayal’ is a Persian word, meaning ‘Thought’. The genius of the creator of the Raga in combination with the performer’s improvisation, makes a ‘Khayal’.

There are two distinct compositions of the Khayal, also known as ‘Bandish’ in a performance. The ‘Vilambit’ Khayal or Bandish is sung in a slow rhythmic cycle. This is followed by the ‘Madhya Laya’ or ‘Drut’ Khayal or Bandish sung in a medium to fast tempo.

Bandish is divided into two parts, namely the ‘Sthai’ which is sung in the lower and middle register of the melodic scale, and the ‘Antara’ which is sung in the upper and middle register of the melodic outline.

‘Khayal’ soon gained popular acceptance because of its communicative nature. Thus encouraging performers to further experiment with its style, thereby enhancing its beauty.

About the Artiste:

Pandits Rajan & Sajan Mishra (born 1951 & 1956 respectively) hail from the holy city of Banaras (Varanasi), which is home to some of India’s best artistes.

Born in an illustrious family, music came to them naturally and they were nurtured in a musical environment. They were trained in vocal music under the able guidance of their father, the late Pt. Hanuman Mishra, a well known vocalist himself. Subsequently, they also received training from the late Pt. Gopal Prasad Mishra- their uncle, one of the most celebrated Sarangi players of India, as well as from Gayanacharya, late Pt. Bade Ramdasji of Banaras.

1. Raga -Gujri Todi [1985]

Khayal Vilambit Ektaal

"Raaj Darbar Maadalra Baajo"

Tarana Ektaal

2. Raga -Jog [1985]

Khayal Madhyalaya Jhaptaal & Khayal Drut Teentaal

3. Raga -Malkauns [1991]

Khayal Vilambit Jhaptaal

"Pratham Dhyan Omkar"

Tarana in Adha & Ektaal