Customer Reviews

West Meets East: The Historic Shankar Menuhin Collection

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I love this album. My dad made me a tape of this from his vinyl when I was 12 years old, and it completely expanded my musical horizons. I'm 27 now and I still listen to it at least once a month. The interplay between Yehudi & Ravi is breathtaking, the improvisation is top notch, and the technique is astounding. I'm so excited this has been reissued on CD because my dog ate the tape last week, even dogs like this album!

I heard this music as a teenager, when it first appeared in the 60s, and it was my entry into Indian and other Far Eastern musics. Only recently, I bought it again in CD format, and began to reminisce. Now it sounds very different to me. Forty years ago, it was the sound of the sitar that captured my mind and heart. I had grown up listening to and playing (on the cello) classical music, and then heard Duke Ellington and Charlie Mingus and turned to jazz. Indian music was a mind-blower! Now I hear Yehudi Menuhin in a different light: the tremendous emotional depth and courage, the bittersweet Jewish pathos and mysticism, the intense psychic electricity that he brings to the duet. And I hear (or at least I imagine hearing) Pandit Ravi Shankar responding with equally intense interest in what Menuhin is saying, with equal musical respect. The result should NOT be judged in terms of Western classical music or Indian classical music (as the late master sitarist Nikhil Banerjee mistakenly did). It is something new -- a meeting of worlds, a meeting of minds, and as such it transcends the traditions these two consummate masters represent.

To anyone who might be moved by the negative review posted on this site, two words: ignore it. This album, which was thrilling when first released in the late '60's, is still full of surprises and delights. If it consisted of nothing more than the lengthy piece that ended the first side of the vinyl release, it would be a must for any discerning listener's collection. The passion and imagination brought to this collaboration by two geniuses of their respective instruments and musical genres combines in a tour de force of invention and humor. Anyone fortunate enough to have seen them perform live or on televison at the United Nations anniversay concert (the second album in this series contains that music) will want to share the joy Menhuin and Shankar brought listeners and themselves.

This album exceded my expectations. The level of complexity of the music contained in this cd is very high. It is very soothing to the mind and soul. One has to listen to this outstanding music at least once in one's life.

Bought the original West Meets East on Angel 30+ years ago; with grooves worn to inaudible, bought CD. Recordings are real originals: Shankar was already a star in India & Menuhin was one of the premier American classical violinists when they collaborated. A better 60s culture icon than Jefferson Airplane or even Sgt. Pepper.

Sorry, not all the tunes are alike, although I'll admit this music is an acquired taste. But after 30+ years, the coda to "Swara-Kakali" still sends chills up my spine as Menuhin's fingers & bow leave the planet, maybe for some small space beyond perfection. You gotta hear it!

Menuhin is the master of the violin arguably the greatest violinist of the 20th century (from what I understand). Since I don't really care for western classical music I wouldn't have been exposed to his virtuosity if it weren't for this collaboration. Menuhin he plays music which is rooted in the Indian classical tradition (except portions of a couple of tracks which have a western sound to it) without sounding uncomfortable or making the music awkward. He violin has a decidedly western sound yet it blends in seamlessly into the Indian classical music.

Aside: The violin has been adopted almost "as is" into South Indian Karnatak music (as opposed to the Hindustani system which Shankar is from). Apart from some(?) structural changes which have been incorporated into it, what makes the Indian (read: Karnatak) violin sound so different is the radical tuning and specially devised fingering techniques to enable the musicians render Karnatak music with its emphasis on gamaks, meends and the ability to play microtones.

Menuhin gets the lion share of airtime while Shankar (the composer) is the perfect host letting Menuhin explore Hindustani Music. Menhuhin lets his virtuosity shine through especially on the standout track Swara Kakali. Having said that Menuhin's playing is soulful without sacrificing emotion for virtuosity. Ravi Shankar on his part adds deft touches to the overall music by stepping in with perfect timing, elevating the music to greater heights. Note, this CD is highly improvised so it speaks volumes for both musicians sense of melody and timing.

Ravi Shankar isn't the greatest sitarist of the past century although is one its most famous proponents and poster boy of Indian music in the West. The honor of the greatest sitarist in the 20th century might well go to either Vilayat Khan or Nikhil Banerjee. However, Ravi Shankar's brilliant musical mind is attested to by this recording as is his ability to compose some profound and complex music.

Swara Kakali and Piloo are the standout tracks. The former is a composition based on an Indian raga (don't know which). The latter is a beautiful rendering of Raga Piloo. Menuhin again is amazingly fast, melodic and soulful. I get goose flesh each time I hear the concluding portion of Swara Kakali. Prabhati is an excellent pathos laden track and Menuhin's violin sings with emotion. Ananda Bhairavi is entirely Ravi Shankar and it is probably the hardest composition to appreciate. It is a richly complex Raga and Ravi Shankar employs his kharaj (bass) strings to good use creating a powerful statement. It is a slow and rich in nuance; appreciating its beauty requires some knowledge of Indian Classical music.

Tenderness and Twilight Mood both have split personalities. They alternately have a Western and Indian sound to it. They are far from the best compositions but do not suffer unduly from "heavy" fusion work which Shankar has unsuccessfully attempted by introducing orchestration and harmony into Indian classical ragas in the other West Meets East CD's. However no such misadventures are attempted here.

This CD lives up to its name. Menuhin is the honored guest and he does justice to the venerable Hindustani tradition. It helps that both musicians have ample respect for each other's ability and heritage. There is no musical duelling whatsoever which at first thought might seem like a lot of fun, but often the music gets lost in blatant showmanship. This CD does not flow smoothly as there is no common uniting theme for the different compositions and therefore I have never listened to the CD start to finish.

Highly recommended!

Judge this fine recording on its own merits. It is a very nice colaboration meant to introduce Americans to the treasure of Indian music and what can be done when West and East come together. If you only want to experience the genius of classic Menuhin or classic Shankar, listen to them in their own respective genres.

All kinds of music "sound alike" if you don't know anything about it! My dad thought all rock sounded alike, my wife thinks all bluegrass sounds alike, my kid thinks all jazz sounds alike! If you don't like or understand sitar music, you might think it all sounds alike. If you like and/or understand sitar music, you will probably really like this. The violin came from India and is a natural partner for the sitar...Menuhin's violin hums and sings beautifully.. There is one song that is kind of like "Dueling Banjos" between the sitar and the violin. It will leave you breathless when it finishes up. Some might not like the piano work, some might not like the sitar/violin work, but many will find this a wonderful album.

Of all the Ravi Shankar's 'fusion' compositions in the sixties, seventies and some more later, this one stands apart from the others. First of all, performances are of highest class as usual. One cannot imagine a better quality. Regardless of difference of grammar and notation, the final product from, as they say it, east and west, overwhelms the listener. The mood is more oriental here, at least in my opinion. Virtuoso performances by Menuhin makes that impression more stronger. However, this one actually combines the musical conception of the two parts of the globe better than other 'fusion' works.

If you are in the West and are interested in Indian music, this can be an outstanding start. Same goes for Indian listeners who are not familiar with western concert music. Within the complex web of Violin, Sitar and orchestra, the good melodies are always there to enjoy and relish.

I had this album in my teens back when vinyl and record players where the latest technology. It was so good to hear the sounds of sitar, violin and tabla again after a long absence. This CD is an excellent addition to any classical music collection. West Meets East: The Historic Shankar Menuhin CollectionAnyone who is drawn to the violin or sitar will get great enjoyment from this music. Shankar is the greatest in his field and Menuhin goes without saying. They are the kings of their instruments and this CD proves it beyond any doubt. Janet E. Wenning