Kishori Amonkar is dead: Raag Bageshri to Bhoop, listen to her best performances available online

“Every note has to be like pearls strung on a necklace — the way Kishori_tai_ does so effortlessly,” writes Shubha Sharma in her tribute to Kishori Amonkar, in The Hindu . Sharma was referencing a lesson her teacher imparted suring music classes; Amonkar — the renowned Hindustani classical vocalist — passed away at her home in Mumbai aged 84. Reports stated she had been suffering from a brief illness.

Kishori_tai_, was herself the daughter of an iconic singer, Mogubai Kurdikar, and was the leading exponent of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana.

While learning the finer points and techniques of the Jaipur gharana from her mother, Kishori_tai_ also developed her own personal style, which reflects the influence of other gharanas and was generally regarded as an individual variant of the Jaipur tradition.

And what better way to remember her, than by listening to her soulful music?

From Bageshri, one among the raagas she loved to perform, to Bhoop (’Sahela Re’) which was an audience favourite, here are a few of Kishori_tai_’s renditions. These don’t necessarily reflect her all-time best performances — but they’re among the best of what’s available online.

Tune in:

Raag Bageshri

The below recording is believed to have been made during the 1970s-80s. Exact date unknown.

Raag Bhoop

The audience would request Kishori_tai_ for ‘Sahela Re’ in raag Bhoop at her concerts. This is in teen taal.

Raag Yaman Kalyan

A recording of Kishori_tai_’s live performance of raag Yaman Kalyan.

Raag Rageshree

This much-loved piece of music epitomises the transcendental quality of Kishori_tai_’s voice.

Raag Todi

Kishori_tai_ performs the morning raaga Miyan ki Todi.

Raag Ahir Bhairav

A recording from one of Kishoritai’s older performances at the BNHS.