Sitar music is a genre deeply rooted in the classical music traditions of Northern India, known for its intricate and spiritually resonant melodies. Characterized by complex string techniques and the expressive use of meends (glides) and gamaks (ornamentations), this genre showcases the sitar—a long-necked string instrument with a distinctive gourd-shaped resonance chamber. Sitar compositions often follow the rules of ragas (melodic frameworks) and are performed with rhythmic cycles known as tala, accompanied by percussion instruments like the tabla. Exponents like Ravi Shankar and his daughter Anoushka Shankar have popularized this genre internationally, blending ancient ragas with contemporary sensibilities. The sitar's soulful sound and the genre's improvisational nature invite listeners into a meditative, transcendent experience, reflective of India's rich musical heritage.

Bhairav Bahar - Raag On Sitar

Traditional•

Vilayat Khan•

Zakir Hussain

Single - Released July 21, 2024