Wind · Indian bamboo flute
Bansuri
A side-blown bamboo flute with a warm, breath-close sound.
Introduction
The bansuri is a simple bamboo tube with finger holes, blown across an opening at one end. It has no keys or mechanism.
How it makes its sound
Pitch is shaped by the fingers partly covering the holes and by the angle of the breath, which allows the continuous glides central to Indian melody. The tone is soft, round and very close to the human voice.
Its place in the music
Long associated with folk and devotional music, the bansuri was established as a full classical concert instrument in the twentieth century.
A short history
Pandit Pannalal Ghosh is widely credited with adapting the flute — including lengthening it for lower pitches — for classical performance, and later players extended its concert repertoire.
Hear it
A short sample, drawn from the instrument's most significant players, one recording each.
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Raga Deepawali — flute
Pt. Pannalal Ghosh - Topic
A label-distributed recording of Deepawali, a raga associated with him.
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Raga Malkauns (album: Night Ragas)
Malkauns · Music Today · Music Today
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Raag Mishra Kafi
Mishra Kafi · darbarfestival
Recorded at Darbar Festival and published on the festival's own channel.
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Raag Bhimpalasi
Bhimpalasi · darbarfestival
The clearest single recording of his classical playing at length.
A full afternoon raga on the bansuri, filmed by Darbar.
References
Continue exploring
- Pandit Pannalal GhoshPlays the bansuri — a page with recordings and sources.
- Pandit Hariprasad ChaurasiaPlays the bansuri — a page with recordings and sources.
- ShehnaiA closely related instrument.
- Bansuri traditionsThe gharanas and teaching lineages documented for this instrument.
- Gharanas & lineagesThe teaching traditions these musicians belong to.