INDIA – PAKISTAN Raag Rang Berang – Thumriyan-Light Classical Vocal – EMI STC 5040

INDIA – PAKISTAN
Raag Rang Berang – Thumriyan-Light Classical Vocal – EMI STC 5040, released in 1980 (Cassette)

I am delighted to share this excellent compilation of Thumri, a form of semi-classical Hindustani music that flourished in 19th-century northern India. Often called the "song of the heart," this vocal genre is known for its emotive expression, lyrical beauty, and a connection to romantic and devotional themes, particularly the love story of Radha and Krishna. 

This engaging program showcases Thumri luminaries Siddheshwari Devi (1908-1977), Rasoolan Bai (1902-1974) Nirmala Devi (1927-1996) and Hira Devi Mishra. It also features legendary Khayal vocalists from India and Pakistan who incorporated thumris into their repertoire: Bhimsen Joshi (1922-2011), Bade Ghulam Ali Khan (1902-1968) and his younger brother Barkat Ali Khan (1908-1963), as well as brothers Nazakat (1932-1983) and Salamat Ali Kahn (1934-2001).

Je suis ravi de partager cette excellente compilation de thumri, une forme de musique hindoustani semi-classique. Développée dans le nord de l'Inde au XIXe siècle et souvent décrite comme le « chant du cœur », le thumri est avant tout un genre vocal. Il se caractérise par son expression émotionnelle, sa beauté lyrique et son lien avec des thèmes romantiques et dévotionnels, notamment l'histoire d'amour entre Radha et Krishna.

Ce programme captivant réunit les figures emblématiques du thumri : Siddheshwari Devi (1908-1977), Rasoolan Bai (1902-1974), Nirmala Devi (1927-1996) et Hira Devi Mishra. Il présente également des chanteurs légendaires de khayal d'Inde et du Pakistan, qui ont intégré le thumri à leur répertoire : Bhimsen Joshi (1922-2011), Bade Ghulam Ali Khan (1902-1968) et son frère cadet Barkat Ali Khan (1908-1963), ainsi que les frères Nazakat (1932-1983) et Salamat Ali Khan (1934-2001).

A1 – Hari Om Tatsat

Bade Ghulam Ali Khan (1902-1968) was a prominent vocalist of the Patiala gharana. He brought immense technical brilliance and emotional depth to his Thumri renditions.

 

A2 – More Saiyan Bulawe Adhi Raat
Hira Devi Mishra was a forgotten Thumri vocalist of the Banaras gharana.

A3 – Saiyan Bin Soona
Brothers Nazakat Ali Kahn (1932-1983) & Salamat Ali Kahn (1934-2001) were outstanding vocalists of the Sham Chaurasi gharana,

A4 – Ro Ro Nain Ganwye Sajna Na Aaye 
Nirmala Devi (1927-1996), also known as Dulari, was an actress and a vocalist of the Patiala gharana.

 

B1 – Ras Ke Bhare Tore Nain
Siddheshwari Devi (1908-1977), a vocalist of the Banaras gharana, was revered as ‘The Queen of Thumri.’

 

“[A] glorious performance of hers was in the All India Music Conference in Bombay in which Ustads Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Faiyaz Khan [1886-1950] also were to sing. Siddheswari concluded her superb recital with such an intensely emotional rendering of the Bhairavi-Thumri (Kaahe Ko daari re gulal Brajlal Kanhayi) that the Aftab-e-Mausiqui [the Sun of Music/ Faiyaz Khan] refused to sing after her! He said to her: "After such music there is no room for any more. After Gauhar Malika, the crown of the Thumri rests on your head". Such was the grand magnanimity of the musical giants of the past!”*

 

*From Great Masters of Hindustani Music by Susheela Misra, 1981. Devi’s performance here refers to the memorable 1944 All India Music Conference in Mumbai, which also featured Kesarbai Kerkar and Pannalal Ghosh.

B2 – Jad Kadar Nahin Bold

Barkat Ali Khan (1908-1963) was a vocalist of the Patiala Gharana and master of the Punjabi Thumri. He was the younger brother of Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.

 

B3 – Kankar Mohe Lag Jaihen
Rasoolan Bai (1902-1974) was a vocalist of the Banaras gharana.

B4 – Jadu Bhareli Kaun Albeli

Bhimsen Joshi (1922-2011) was a vocalist of the Kirana gharana.

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Many thanks to our friend D., who spontaneously offered to share some of his favorite Indian Carnatic and Hindustani cassette tapes that he had digitized, including this rare album.

More posts:

Siddheswari Devi – HMV – EALP 1436 here

Bade Ghulam Ali Khan – Odeon MOAE 5004 here

Nazakat & Salamat Ali Kahn – 7 EPE 1356 here

Nazakat & Salamat Ali Kahn – HNBL 1332 here

Bhimsen Joshi HMV – 7 EPE 1246 here

Bhimsen Joshi HMV – ECLP 2264 here

The Great Tradition – HMV – EALP 1453/1452 here

 

The photograph below is from India: Art and Culture, 1300-1900 by Stuart Cary Welch, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1985:

 

Krishna and Radha: Love in a Dark Wood from a manuscript of the 

Gita Govinda (The Song of the Herdsman) of Jayadeva 

Punjab Hills, Kangra, c. 1780:

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