Swathed in the mysticism of the East, Ravi Shankar was the champion of Indian classical music and, out of true virtuosity, became the ambassador of the genre. Synonymous with the sitar, Shankar could create music that captivated the world’s attention and uncovered the hidden depths of Asian culture. He was a true artiste, seen and recognized across the globe, and with his music he opened the door to the world’s imagination.
1. A Legend Among Music Maestros: Ravi Shankar
Ravi Shankar is a legendary musician and composer best known for his genre-bending and experimental approach to Indian classical music. During his career, he has been awarded four Grammy Awards. Shankar has also played a key role in introducing this unique style of Indian classical music to the Western World.
His vast body of work includes recording dozens of albums, collaborating with many renowned composers, and writing many musical scores for dances, movies, and plays. Shankar is widely revered as a virtuoso and a master innovator in the world of music. He is known for his signature style of playing the sitar, as well as for creating the genre of raga-rock.
Shankar’s music carries a profound influence on popular music today. His groundbreaking exploration of cross-cultural influences was fundamental in the development of psychedelic rock, raga rock, and jazz fusion throughout the 1960s and beyond. His work with The Beatles brought Indian classical music to the Western world and made him a global ambassador of music.
Shankar has played a remarkable role in preserving the traditions of Indian classical music. He passed on his mastery to several of his students, producing a new wave of Indian musicians from his highly acclaimed school of music. He has been an inspiration for a whole generation of aspiring musicians.
- Awarded four Grammy Awards
- Influenced popular music
- Groundbreaking exploration of cross-cultural influences
- Inspired a whole generation of musicians
2. A Proud Ambassador of India’s Musical Heritage
Ustad Nusrat Hussain Khan from the Senia Gharana musical heritage of India is one of the greatest ambassadors for Indian musical tradition. He is a well-respected name in the Indian classical music industry. He has been instrumental in taking the centuries-old legacy of Indian classical music to the corners of the country and has enthralled international audiences with music rooted in Indian culture.
He has established his own school of music ‘Gharana Academy, Nadbrahm Music School’ to promote the traditional music of India. He had since been mentoring and training the aspiring learners of arts in the traditional Indian music system. Ustad Nusrat Hussain has been extremely popular among the students of traditional music, inspiring them with his compositions and raga-based vocal melodies.
His concert performances, often held with accompanying musicians and The Hoshangabad Band, received a great response from the audience. The concerts successfully blended the original music and traditional instruments to create a unique sound. Some of his timeless compositions have become cherished memories for his avid fans.
Ustad Nusrat Hussain Khan has been an instrumental part of the Indian musical heritage for many decades. His dedication towards music and efforts to promote the traditional music of India have won him immense respect among the music fraternity. He will always be remembered for his remarkable work and perseverance in the field of classical music.
3. An Evolving Icon: Exploring the Impact of Ravi Shankar
Ravi Shankar’s impact on popular music and culture is renowned, but there is much more to the story of this unique and evolving musical icon. Shankar, a master of the sitar and an innovator who merged Indian folk and classical music with the language of jazz, rap, and pop, was a major trailblazer in the realm of world music, paving the way for many talented global musicians. Here are just a few of the things that make Shankar’s career so special:
- Unparalleled Legacy: Born on the 10th of April, 1920 in Vishakhapatnam, India, Shankar was a renowned folk performer before reaching international recognition. His career spans six decades, from the herculean partnership with Yehudi Menuhin in 1956, to global collaborations with The Beatles in the 60s, and the iconic Monterrey Pop Music Festival of 1967.
- Musical Innovator: Shankar was a pioneer in the field of world music, melding classical and folk sounds from India with American, British, and other global genres. He changed the way music is created and experienced around the world, and has been recognised for the power of his innovations.
- World’s Embrace: Shankar has been warmly embraced by many of the world’s most acclaimed music stars. As a testament to his immense influence, Shankar was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award at the 1997 Grammy Awards. In addition, he was honoured as a Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, for his contributions to arts.
Ravi Shankar changed the definition of music. His influence is embedded in every genre touched throughout his career, and his innovative and cross-cultural approach has left an indelible mark on the world of music.
Indeed, one cannot simply categorise Shankar’s music – it is an ever-changing blend of cultures and styles. He has influenced countless artists and continues to serve as an inspiration to all those who seek to create something meaningful and special.
4. Embracing the Sitar: A Journey of Musical Mastery
The sitar is an ancient instrument, with a mesmerizing sound that has been captivating audiences for centuries. It has become a symbol of India’s musical tradition, with its complex melodies and intricate playing techniques. For those looking to master the art of playing the sitar, there are a few steps that must be taken to become a true virtuoso.
1. Obtain a Sitar
The first step is obtaining an authentic, high-quality sitar. Traditional sitars are handmade with finely tuned strings and a broad range of tones. Investing in a quality instrument will ensure that your experience is as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.
2. Learn the Basics
The sitar is by no means an easy instrument to master. It is recommended to begin by learning the basic techniques and concepts before delving too deeply into more complex nuances. There are a number of different online tutorials and resources available for those just starting out.
3. Practice
Practice is the key to any form of mastery, and the sitar is no exception. With patience and dedication, it is possible to reach a level of mastery and develop a proficiency for playing the sitar that will be the envy of audiences across the globe:
- Always take time to understand and absorb the knowledge you’ve gained.
- Play with friends and practice regularly in order to develop a better understanding of the instrument.
- Take advantage of videos and tutorials to further your understanding.
- Experience the beauty of live performances from around the world to further your appreciation and understanding.
For those who are willing to put in the dedication and effort, mastering the sitar can be a rewarding personal experience. A journey of musical mastery awaits those brave enough to embrace this timeless instrument.
Ravi Shankar was a master of the sitar and a genius of Indian classical music. His devotion to his art brought him far beyond the borders of India, blending East and West through his passionate music. Shankar generously shared his knowledge with the next generation, leaving behind a lasting legacy of Indian music and cultural appreciation. He was truly the ambassador of Indian classical music.
