This raga is a variant of raga Kedar. It is said that this was created by the legendary sursingar player Bahadur Hussain Khan in 19th century.
Thhaat (parent scale)
Kalyan
Jaati:
Shadav Sampoorna (six notes in ascent, seven notes in descent)
Vaadi:
Madhyam (M)
Samvaadi:
Shadja (S)
Swaras:
Employs both forms of Madhyam (M and m) and Nishad (N and n), rest Shuddh swaras
Aaroh (ascent):
S M G P D P N D S’ (Western notation: C F E G A G B A C )
Avaroh (descent)
S’N D n D P, m P D M, G M R S (Western notation: C B A A# A G, F# G A F, E F D C )
Key phrases:
S R S, S M, G P, m P D M, m P D n D P, m P D M, G M R S
Time:
Late Evening
This raga is considered as the most romantic variant of Kedar, meant for a moonlit night (Chandni), as the name of the raga suggests. The liberal use of Komal Nishad (n) sets it apart from Kedar. Some musicians also employ both forms of Madhyam as in raga Lalit.
Bibliography
1. The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Music of India
2. Raga Kedar – a perspective – Rajan Parrikar Music Archive
Links
Ustad Wajahat Khan (sarod) plays Raag Chandni Kedar alongside Shahbaz Hussain (tabla) at 533 Souls Festival in 2021, at The Curve Theatre, Leicester.
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