LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA / Z. MEHTA

Originally recorded at the inaugural concert of the Festival of India in 1982, this remastered performance is a classical East-meets-West blend of influences. Ravi Shankar, the composer/musician who is to the sitar what Andrés Segovia is to the guitar, brings his deep understanding of both musical traditions to his 'Raga Mala,' or Sitar Concerto no 2.
Accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Zubin Mehta, Shankar's sitar follows a very traditional line for the instrument. The orchestral arrangement is very Western--so western in fact, that it evokes the work of Aaron Copland. The combined effect is a dramatic, at times conflicting sound. However, as the movements progress, it becomes apparent how well the orchestra and sitar complement each other.
The sitar's sound is deceptively complicated. Its resonance and intonation create nuances pushed to their extremes by the orchestra. The sitar doesn't sit comfortably within any single section - it takes strings, brass and percussion to effectively mimic its tone.
Those interested in world and classical music will thoroughly enjoy this performance, although purists may be frustrated by the blending influences. Shankar's brilliance as a composer as well as performer is clearly evident. Backed by one of the world's finest orchestras, this album is clearly a historic recording.

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