Indian Subcontinent Classical Music

[bwv 1080]

I also tend to prefer the dorian, lydian and mixolydian raags like kafi, shyam Kalam or rageshri. The more exotic scales are cool, but tend to wear on me after a while, madhuvanti being an exception.  Jog and Miyan ki Mahlar, with some nice 'chromatic' twists are good (jog has both a major and minor third, so sort of sounds bluesy while Miyan ki Mahlar is sort of a melodic minor scale).  Some of the pentatonic ragas like chandrakauns or tilang can be incredible with a good player - spinning out 30+ minutes of good, interesting music using only 5 notes is no mean feat

[Monsieur Croche]

Nearly everyone has heard of Ravi Shankar, while far too few have heard of, or heard the superb musicianship of this non pareil sitarist
Nikhil Ranjan Banerjee

A brief introductory bio talk; the Alap begins ca 03:45
https://www.youtube.com/v/WgBqsOrKXPo

[millionrainbows]

I first heard it on The Beatles' Revolver: Love You To by George Harrison, and was beginning to be aware of the 'big drone' that seemed to be emerging: that heavy drone, that primal drone which ties everything together: Rain, Paperback Writer, Tomorrow Never Knows. Then I heard it in blues. Ravi Shankar albums on World Pacific records; then Ali Akbar Khan on Connoisseur. The Doors: The End, When The Music's Over. Eno and Fripp, loop music: Evening Star, No Pussyfooting. Even the Velvet Underground: Sister Ray, All Tomorrow's Parties.

So for me, this transcended a genre or artist or culture; the drone was a gateway into the deeper significance of music and my being.

[Omicron9]

Interesting thread.

I've tried multiple times over the years to develop a liking for this body of work.  So far, I'm just not getting it, but it's certainly not from lack of trying.  I do dig bansuri flute; in fact, it's about the only Indian classical instrument to which I can listen for any extended period.

Still trying.  Will keep an eye on this thread.

Regards,
-09

[millionrainbows]

Don't "like" it; just put it on, sit there, and be.

[millionrainbows]

Some interesting cross-relations between Western music and Eastern:
The Concerto for Sitar & Orchestra by Ravi Shankar, which Philip Glass helped with;
The "East Meets West" series on EMI, featuring Yehudi Menhuin and Ravi Shankar;
Henry Cowell's "Gaggaku" on First Edition;
Lou Harrison, much of his chamber music. Especially good is the "Ostinato" from his Symphony No. 2.



https://youtu.be/6WeWmkrpXBg