Customer Reviews

The Mahabharata

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

sarmila rey's voice is captivating and haunting. the songs she's sung are in bengali and are known as rabindrasangeet (songs of rabindranath) as theese songs were written and set to music by rabindranath tagore, the great poet. These songs done in a differnet style with world influences makes this album an exceptional one.

Although I have yet to see the Peter Brook film for which this music was composed, I ventured to try it based on the fact that this 'great poem of the world', the Mahabharata, is a classic and it would be interesting to hear music inspired by it. And that it was from the REAL WORLD label which I have had good fortune with thus far caught my attention as well. Happily, I am not disappointed with my selection. The music is as hypnotic as the rising smoke curls from a stick of incense and just as intoxicating. The narration of the tale of Markandeya by Bruce Myers is so relaxing and mellifluous that if you don't zonk out just by listening to his voice, your eardrums must be made of iron! Which leads me to another fascinating part of this production - the fact that many of the musicians come from parts other than India/Tibet, such as Turkey, Iran, Denmark, Japan and France truly making this an international conglomeration. I hope to see the film soon. In the meantime... Close your eyes and be taken away to a land rich in ancient culture through a film-score which transcends the spirit.

When Brook's film came out, I bought this soundtrack and LOVED IT. Haunting, inspiring, evocative. Even if you have not seen the movie, this is an excellent cd.

My only regret is that there is not more: I want more of Sarmila Roy's mesmerizing, passionate voice and Bruce Meyer's storytelling ...