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For Volume 1, three recordings have been chosen from the 1967-8 period. “Raga Gangeshwari” was recorded primitively using a single hand-held microphone on the banks of the Ganges River in 1968. To this lack of technological sophistication Shankar notes that they “exhibit the power of life in live performance that has value beyond any technological shortcomings.” Raga’s (a series or five or more notes upon which melodies are made) are associated with different times of the day and this recording was made early in the morning. The birdcalls and audience rumblings, which are captured on the tape, serve to accentuate the mood and spirituality of the occasion. As the Raga progresses it is difficult not to picture the scene of the sun rising over the Ganges. The piece perfectly reflects how an Indian morning transits from warm serenity to a hive of activity within a relatively short space of time. At almost 50 minutes, advances in technology mean that the full Raga can be listened to in its entirety without the need to turn over a record or cassette. The running order does lend itself to minor criticism. The Raga would have been complimented perfectly by “Durga Suktam & Mahishasura Mardini Stotram” - a live recording of Allabahad Temple Priests - but is separated by “West Meets East circa 1967”, which is a 12 minute series of interviews with a US audience of Shankar’s earliest western performances in 1967. Although the audience's comments are highly praising of the music this track will be skipped on repeat plays. One for both fans and newcomers to the enlightening, spiritual and beautifully resounding world of Ravi Shankar. Ravi Shankar on the Dick Cavett Show |
