Customer Reviews

Shankar: Concerto for Sitar & Orchestra / Morning Love

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

 

 

Very satisfying! Great recording of an inspired piece of music. First saw it performed live and have enjoyed the recording since. This is not really getting you into Indian classical music. Rather this is a well-written, well-orchestrated piece of classical music for classical music lovers (not Paul McCartney-pretend or Billy Joel-pretend), but with the featured instrument and themes being based on traditional sitar style. Truly utilizes the characteristics and beauty of the sitar in combination with a normal symphony orchestra as a concerto should.

The music is engaging with much of it peaceful, even bucolic, but not boring.

The Concerto for Sitar and Orchestra is entertaining, engaging and enlightening. It is an amazing banter between the sitar and all the different instruments of the orchestra. It is a demonstration of the depth and breadth of the sitar and Ravi Shankar's skill. It likewise highlights the disciplined skill of the orchestra musicians.

The last track is a delightful interlude between Jean-Pierre Rampal's flute and Ravi Shankar's sitar.

This has become one of my all time favorite classical albums.

SM

If you are only sampling Ravi then you may wan to buy the "West Meets East" Album. This makes a good second; yet it is still worthy of five stars. The mixture of eastern instruments and western structure show up in this album. This is as much Andre Previn as it is Ravi. It is soothing yet carries a predictable tune. Many hybrids as these pieces carry the plus from both cultures. And Ravi does an excellent job of bridging. If you are a purist then you may want to pass over this album. Personally I could keep it on continuous play.

West Meets East: The Historic Shankar Menuhin Collection

As wild and wacky as I remember it! I had this on vinyl in the 70's... I got it from one of those old bargain record places in a downtown cellar. Cool.

This one take me back to that crazy time when things Indian were extremely exotic... but the music here is still pretty good. Shankar was a man who once transcended cultures. It was all very exciting back then.

Previn is good too. Hey, if you want some more wacky 70's tracks check out the synth music Previn composed for Rollerball. Groovy yet with some musical merit. Too bad you can't buy the individual tracks as MP3 :-(