Anoushka

Anoushka Shankar | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 20, 1998)
• Original Release Date: October 20, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Angel Records
• ASIN: B00000DCI0
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,159 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Reviewers' Tough Love Words Missing the Mark, February 2, 2004

By 

Yoga Sponge "tech_nut" (Pittsburgh, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anoushka (Audio CD)

Your (collective) words are tough love, it's true... I think the reviewers here are correct that she has a world of growing up to do, but no need to be so harsh towards her. It is not her fault that her father is so famous, it is circumstance-- and it's not her fault that the big music corporations want to cash in on her legacy (much like sister Norah.)

Both young women show promise, and over-exposure of an unmatured talent can negatively affect it... granted.

But the hostility here is merely so that "others" stop giving Anoushka and her music good ratings without having greater understanding of the process behind the music.

And yet... if the music moves someone who doesn't "understand"... well, then... it has still served its purpose, hasn't it? Music, like all art forms, like poetry and prose, cannot dictate who is allowed to enjoy or not enjoy. It is a two-way contract between giver and receiver. And if the receiver feels the magic, and has his or her emotions stirred, then the music (via the performer) has been true to its mission.

Soon, Raviji will be gone, and if Anoushka is serious about her music and the sitar, it will be reflected in her career. For now, her "light" sound could be a blessing for those not so versed in classical Hindustani music; they could grow with her! I would urge anyone intrigued by Anoushka to continue to explore. Ustad Ali Akbar Khan or Pandit Nikhil Banerjee would be great places to continue your 'education.'

It *should* be understood that young people cannot truly be "virtuosos" within this style of music... they simply lack the depth of experience and feeling to properly convey the nuances in the very complex musical forms. Perhaps this is why we see so many young stars in the West, where traditionally-popular music requires no such similar depth of expression.

But with Indian classical music, even more so than western-style classical music, that depth is critical to a trained listener's ear. In this style of music, not only something so subtle as the weather or time of day affects the raga, but the very mood and character of the performer. It goes without saying that the more seasoned the human being, the greater gift they will have to give to the music in this case.

I would say-- Do not be angry with her that she has been pushed by the machine. Be angry with her if someday she lets it ruin her chances to be a great sitar player. But wait... why be angry at all? It will have been her loss if she goes that road.

And one cannot control what others will think of Indian classical music or Indian culture; if they are interested, they will begin that journey. But coming to a public place and harshly criticizing a young person's dress and face, etc. shows any reader something about the person who is so judgmental.

Briefly: I won't hold it against one's *culture* if one chooses to be inflexibly unforgiving, or lacks tact and decent manners. However, I do hold the individual very responsible.

Om Shanti

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars beware of darkness, September 25, 2005

By 

Boxodreams "[e-mail]" (district of columbia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anoushka (Audio CD)

beware those who would dictate what Anoushka needs and doesn't need. The only thing she needs is to be herself and listen to the wisdom that grows inside of her. I find it pathetic, those who question the integrity of anyone who buys her music. Who cares what else I have on the shelf, or whether I know what a raga is (I do)? Anoushka is not cheating anyone here. Her music and talent are affecting and beautiful. She is beautiful as well, and certainly has experienced the West. Maybe she likes being beautiful. I first was exposed to her watching her performance on the DVD "Concert for George," in which she performs magnificently a piece her father Ravi (oops, wrote it the old Western way!) wrote for the event. She and the music were entrancing, and whether we know anything about what it was or who it compares to or not does not matter. What matters is whether we are moved, and if we are, then the music has done something vital. Anoushka should not mind her minders; she should rise above their demands and frustrations and opinions and try to find her place in the world. I miss the decency of George Harrison.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brava Ragas!, November 27, 1998

By 

Lydia (NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anoushka (Audio CD)

I have had the pleasure of seeing Anoushka Shankar perform with her legendary father, Ravi, on several occasions and was pleased to learn that she was releasing her own compilation of five ragas on sitar (which was indeed produced by her "Bapi"!)! Ms. Shankar does not disappoint. Her style is definitely an homage to her father, her lifelong Guru, but is uniquely her own. (Incidently, all compositions are by her father).She is a modest and radiant presence in person so I can visualize her playing as I listen to Anoushka. She is incredibly gifted for one so young.I highly recommend not only this CD, her first and, I am sure, not last, but if you get the chance to see her carry on her family's fine tradition, do all you can to get there for a night you will remember for a long time.