Rare Musical Recordings at NCPA

A Legacy Preserved Step into the heart of India’s musical heritage with the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA)’s exclusive collection of rare recordings. Captured in the NCPA’s state-of-the-art recording studio, this remarkable collection celebrates the profound artistry of Hindustani and Carnatic music, alongside rich recordings of folk traditions from across India..

Impeccable Preservation Standards The NCPA has gone to great lengths to ensure these recordings are preserved in their purest form. Stored in analog format on magnetic tapes, this treasure trove is housed in a purpose-built, dust-free preservation vault. Carefully controlled conditions of temperature and humidity safeguard the recordings, ensuring future generations can experience their authentic sound quality.

  • Total Hours of Recordings: 6032 hours
    Audio Recordings: 4863 hours, spanning classical performances, soliloquies, and exclusive interviews.
    Video Recordings: 1169 hours of immersive musical experiences.
    Rural Folk Music: 254 hours of rare recordings from vibrant cultural regions, including Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam, and Bengal.

Icons of Indian Music The NCPA’s collection features performances from some of the most revered figures in Indian classical music, capturing the depth, emotion, and technical mastery that define their legacies:

  • Hindustani Classical Artists:
    Dagar Brothers
    Krishnarao Shankar Pandit
    Siddeshwari Devi
    Alla Rakha
    Begum Akhtar
    Bismillah Khan
    Gangubai Hangal
    Ali Akbar Khan
    Vilayat Khan
    Mallikarjun Mansur
    Imrat Khan

 

  • Masters of Carnatic Music:
    Lalgudi Jayaraman
    Palghat Mani Iyer
    K.S. Narayanaswami
    T.R. Mahalingam
    DK Pattammal
    MS Subbulakshmi
    ML Vasanthakumari
    Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer
    Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna
    Mani Madhava Chakiar
    Umayalpuram Sivaraman

A Journey Through Sound This curated archive not only preserves the musical artistry of the past but invites you on a journey into the soul of Indian culture. Whether you are a scholar, an artist, or an aficionado, these recordings offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore the voices and sounds that have shaped the landscape of Indian music.

Access the Collection Dive into this rich musical archive and experience the profound beauty of India’s artistic heritage.

To browse our full catalogue and learn how you can access these treasures, click here.