The classical music of North India, known as Hindustani music is based upon a system of rāgas, melodic structures  built around modes, motifs and various extra-musical considerations such as time of performance — time of day or season of the year.

It is for this reason that certain beautiful rāgas, designated for unusual times of day, are not often heard. One example is Rāga Lalit designed to be played at dawn, beginning just before first light and continuing until sunrise is complete or close to complete

If you would like to hear this beautiful rāga, here is a rendition by Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. Please only play it at the correct time — dawn.

A full feature/interview with Hariprasad is scheduled to appear at Flute Journal as part of our celebration of his 80th birthday.

 

 

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