by Mark W.B. Allender
Virtuoso flutist Hariprasad Chaurasia shines on this recording predominated by the main piece, &Raga Darbari Kanada,& which is known for its stately, meditative mood. It is meant to be performed after sunset, before midnight. The alap portion runs for over 30 minutes -- very nice. The gat portion is restrained and majestic, appropriate to this raga usually reserved for a lower instrument soloist. Chaurasia's ability to pull this off on a high-pitched flute is a testament to his virtuosity. A superb recording. Excellent tabla work by Fazal Qureshi.