Legendary classical vocalist Gauhar Jan was born in Azamgarh, India in 1870. She could sing in over 20 languages and recorded over 600 records.
This was from a very early session from 1904. It was reissued as HMV P-17 which I also have a copy of, but believe it or not, the older GCR made for a slightly better transfer!
This early acoustic recording made for a very tricky transfer – and it really took a lot to minimize noise without sacrificing the performance. Hopefully it is enjoyable!
If you stick around until the very end, you’ll hear the voice of Gauhar Jan herself announcing her name as was the custom of many early recordings.
Recorded by William Sinkler Darby in Calcutta, India in December 1904.
Released as Gramophone Concert Record G. C. – 13842 (mx. E2585h)
Miss Gauhar Jan is accompanied by unknown artists on harmonium and tabla.
Notes from Michael Kinnear “Discography of Miss Gauhar Jan of Calcutta”, The Record News, Vol. 9, Jan. 1993.
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