The ragas:
Subtle Feelings - Raga Samhendra Madhyam. played in teental, a 16-beat rhythm cycle, is a very unusual and delicate raga with a graceful pace. it is accompanied very sensitively on the tabla in a traditional yet innovative way.
Bouquet - As a bouquet has many different flowers and colours, so does this piece. It is made up of five different compositions based on different, but related ragas.
Punjab Folk - This folkloric song from the northern region of India is very heartwarming and nostalgic for me", writes Sachdev, "I remember as a child listening to my mother sing this song in the early mornings when she used to churn yoghurt to make fresh butter an buttermilk."
Traditional Alap - This alap in the Raga Bhimpalasi is very deep and majestic. It is one of the very ancient ragas played in the vocal tradition known as Dhruvpad. Pakhawaj, a barrel shaped drum, is used to give flavour to the Drhuvpad style.
Imagination - Raga Bhimpalasi is played and improvised in the Khayal singing style. Khayal allows for more imaginative improvisation. This is played in the teental rhythm cycle on the tabla.
Bhajan - This devotional song takes you to the temples of India where you can here manjiri (hand cymbals), drums and people singing in ecstasy, in an effort to become one with their deity.
The exquisite Indian flute music of which Sachdev is such a master is brought to the fore in these personal and spiritual improvisations that he offers. Tabla master Swapan Choudhuri joins Sachdev on this intimate recording.
