Wednesday 12 December 2012

Sitar maestro Ravi Shankar dies at 92 on December 12 - In his memory: a less known LP from 1972/73



Ravi Shankar, composer, sitar player and worldwide music legend, has died surrounded by family near his home in southern California. He played at Woodstock, collaborated with the Beatles and fathered Norah Jones.
Ravi Shankar passed away in the presence of his family late on Tuesday in California aged 92. He had undergone successful surgery last Thursday, but was unable to recover from the operation. Shankar's family confirmed the news.
"Although it is a time for sorrow and sadness, it is also a time for all of us to give thanks and to be grateful that we were able to have him as part of our lives," his family said.
"Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the surgeons and doctors taking care of him, his body was not able to withstand the strain of the surgery. We were at his side when he passed way," Shankar's wife Sukanya and his daughter Anoushka said.
DW.DE

Shankar is as famed in the western hemisphere as in his native India, and is broadly credited with popularizing Indian music in the rest of the world - by virtue of his nimble fingers and the distinctive sound of the sitar.

Intercontinental icon
A three-time Grammy winner, Shankar played at the 1967 Monterey Festival and at Woodstock. He collaborated with violinist Yehudi Menhin and with the Beatles in the same era. He taught band member George Harrison, one of the more famous guitarists ever to have lived, to turn his hand to India's stringed equivalent. 
Shankar has also fathered a Grammy winner, the eclectic vocalist Norah Jones who has been honored with jazz, pop and country music accolades during the last decade. 
One of Shankar's first international awards was secured in Berlin at the 1957 Berlinale film festival, where he secured the Silver Bear Extraordinary Prize for composing the score for the Bengali movie Kabuliwala. 
His influence touched almost every corner of the music industry, including fellow legends in the business. Jazz saxophone master John Coltrane named his son Ravi Coltrane. 
Shankar also served as an unelected member of the upper chamber of India's parliament. 
msh/dr (AFP, dpa, Reuters) 
http://www.dw.de/sitar-maestro-ravi-shankar-dies-at-92/a-16445458

Ustad Zakir Hussain said it beautifully: "Beings like him don't die, they just go back to heaven to take their rightful place amongst the Gods. Today, with his presence heaven is enriched."


Side 1:
 Raga Alahiya Bilawal (21:29)


Side 2:
Raga Patdeep (21:25)




5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Many thanks for this, fantastic recording. Sad news.

Anonymous said...

A million thanks for this post, but tragic loss for music

Anonymous said...

Many years ago (late 1969) I've had the great honor of meeting the Maestro as well as Mr Alla Rakha and their beautiful tampura player Kamala, before AND after a concert in my town.
I was just a teenager with very long hair, and they where all very gracious to me. I still remember
perfectly Mr Shankar's answer when I asked him what he thought about George Harrison:
he looked at me straight in the eye with a smile and said “George is a friend and a good student
of mine”. Great memories. What a loss, may he rest in peace.
By the way, your site is wonderful, I just discovered it, please keep on the great work, it is much needed. Much thanks for all.
Sivad

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for this nice music and for this excelent site, Sir.

Anonymous said...

Bro, my humble request please upload this in wave format.