The Mahabharata [Soundtrack]

Toshi Tsuchitori (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 14, 1993)
• Original Release Date: February 15, 1990
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Real World
• ASIN: B000000I1U
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #176,387 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Nibiro Ghono Andhara

2. Draupadi

3. Ontoro Momo

4. Virata

5. Bughi Oi Sudure

6. Cities

7. Bhima

8. Markandeya, Pt. 1

9. Duryodhana

10. Amba

11. War: Prepare to Fight!/War/Dhire Bondhu Dhire

12. Markandeya, Pt. 2

13. Svetasvatara Upanisad

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Shevetashvatara Upanishad is Divinity, June 15, 2000

By 

Richard Morgan (Columbus, Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mahabharata (Audio CD)

I found this treasure through the sample album of Real World Records, Bliss. While Bliss is an excellent compilation, the third track, Svetasvatara Upanisad, impressed me beyond words. After a quick search, I noticed this track was a part of the soundtrack to the Mahabharata. I had to buy this CD to hear more.

While I did not see the film for this music, I know the Mahabharata is an epic of tremendous length written about two thousand years ago; with epic battles between family and gods with a philosophical prince named Arjuna and his famous charioteer (read the Bhagavad Gita for more details).

The CD opens with traditional sounds of Indian tablas followed by Sarmila Roy chanting. Sarmila Roy, the daughter of a writer and dancer, has such a wonderful voice, I was surprised I could not find more of her work available to the public. It is clear and filled with such emotion; it's a pity I have no idea of what she is saying. It's so enticing, I entertained the idea of studying Sanskrit to discover what she was actually saying.

As the rest of the soundtrack unfolds, it blends Indian themes with Tibetan, Japanese, and other Asian overtones. The use of the didgeridoo is subtle and adds to the exotic sound. The War is a gripping track: cacophonous themes clashing with thumping drums driving the armies, Indian chanting with battle screams, then finishes with Sarmila Roy singing over the now silent armies.

One disconnect, in my opinion, was the story-telling narrator. I think it detracted from the overall flow of the CD and the hypnotic mood it lulls you into.

Yet the most luminescent track on this CD is the same as I heard on Bliss, Svetasvatara Upanisad. While Amazon does not have a sample of it listed here, there is one under Bliss. Also, Real World Records' website has a sample. I highly recommend listening to it. While the quality of the recording is much better on the CD, if this track doesn't interest you, do not waste your money on this CD. If you do like it, you will be treated to more of Sarmila Roy's voice through out the soundtrack recording.

Overall, I was slightly disappointed there was not more of Sarmila Roy and the rest of the CD was not as good as the final track. Yet, there are bright points and it's worth your time (and money) to listen to the Mahabharata.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply irrisistable, October 17, 2000

By 

hisham (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mahabharata (Audio CD)

I came across this soundtrack while I was browsing through a local record store. By the look of its cover I knew there are something special in store for me, furthermore the cover is unique. I went home, spin it in my CD player put on my headphone and....Phew! its takes me to a journey that I've never imagined. My personal favourite is Ontoro Momo which features the voice of Sharmila Roy. I was suprised that the musicians that contributed to the soundtrack mostly not from India. No matter what this will be one of my personal favourite for long time. Listen to it after a long and busy day at work or during your relaxation. If this CD appeals you then try Hariprasad Chaurasia.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, lush and an all-time underrated soundtrack!, December 25, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Mahabharata (Audio CD)

I find it hard to believe that the movie never got the press in this country. Likewise, The Mahabharata soundtrack got similar treatment when it came out. It is full of moving, Hindu music and lyrics. Some of the music moves slowly, but it won't make you think it is SLOW. The inflections of the music and voices conveys the movie's plot rather well. Especially as it works from an epic source- the longest, written story in the world.
If you can find a copy of this soundtrack, great for you! I'm not going to be selling mine! EVER!