New Album Release By Flautist Pt. Vijay Raghav Rao

India-West Staff Reporter

NEW YORK, NY –  Pt. Vijay Raghav Rao has released his new album, ‘Live, In Concert: SYMBIOSIS.’ This collection showcases the maestro’s live performances on the classical Indian flute, offering a breathtaking fusion of tradition and innovation.

The album features four distinct selections from Pt. Vijay Raghav Rao’s concert repertoire, each highlighting the seamless blending of diverse note patterns and traditional forms. Symbiosis pays homage to the artist’s reputation as a trailblazer in advancing Indian classical music into the modern era.

In a musical tribute to the Sun, Rao combines the Hindustani Raga Malkauns with Carnatic Raga Surabhi, creating a rarely known composite scale. Surya Kauns celebrates the unity of all living beings under the sun’s benevolence, emphasizing the musician’s belief in the universality of the human experience.

Another track, Puriya Kalyan is an elaborate improvisation on a symbiotic scale that merges Raga Puriya and Raga Yaman, showcasing the regal essence of Puriya, known as the king of all Ragas. Rao weaves a musical narrative that transitions from a measured adagio to a brisk allegro.

In Dhun Misra Bhairavi, there is rare and exemplary improvisation on the note pattern of Bhairavi drawing inspiration from Indian folk music. Set against the backdrop of northeastern India, near the river Ganga, the performance adds subtle variations to the classical structure of Bhairavi, resulting in an exhilarating musical journey steeped in devotion.

Rao has also included in the album Tappa Yaman, an interpretation of the popular Raga Yaman in the rare and fading Tappa style. This enthralling miniature composition, performed in Drut and composed in Teen Taal, showcases his technical prowess and serves as a fitting conclusion to the album.

The album is available on streaming platforms.