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Music was his universe, his love, his Strength!
Celebrating the timeless and unparalleled creativity of a truly unique musician on his special day.
Introduction
Pandit Ravi Shankar a world-famous Sitar player and composer, is widely recognized as one of the most important figures in promoting Indian music around the world.
In the vast celluloid of musical history, few names are enshrined as brightly as Pandit Ravi Shankar renowned for his unparalleled mastery of the sitar and ground breaking contribution to Indian classical music. Pandit Ravi Shankar journey began in the early years of the 20th Century, setting of course for innovation and cross-cultural exploration that would shape the landscape of Indian music for generations to come. From humble beginnings to global renown, his growth as a musician paralleled India’s emergence as a cultural powerhouse on the world stage.
Unveiling musical horizons
Born in Varanasi, India, Pandit Ravi Shankar began his music career as a young boy studying under his illustrious Guru Allaudin Khan. Under his tutelage, he went on a transformative musical journey
Delving deep into the rich traditions of Indian classical music embracing a spirit of experimentation and innovation. He challenged conventional norms, pushing the boundaries of classical ragas and rhythmic patterns and captivating audience with his virtuosity and improvisation prowess.
Pandit Ravi Shankar style sitar
- Made from well-seasoned teak wood for the best tone and sound
- Fine craftmanship
- Fully decorated with wood carving and inlay of engraved celluloid.
- Fitted with fully decorated tumbi; fine lotus pegs and double tarab buttons.
Multifaceted Maestro of many talents
Pandit Ravi Shankar, an emblematic figure in Indian classical music, distinguished himself from other musicians in several profound ways:
Global Ambassador:
Ravi Shankar was among the first Indian musicians to attain global fame, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western music, and introducing the rich tapestry of Indian classical music to audiences worldwide.
Sitar Virtuoso:
He revolutionized the way the sitar was played, with a distinctive style that combined the purity of traditional Indian music with innovative techniques and expressions.
Collaborations with Western Musicians:
His collaborations with iconic Western musicians like George Harrison of The Beatles, violinist Yehudi Menuhin, and composer Philip Glass created ground breaking fusion music, fostering a new level of appreciation for Indian music in the West.
Composer of Diverse Repertoire:
Shankar was not just a performer but also a prolific composer, creating everything from film scores, like the acclaimed soundtrack for “Gandhi,” to concertos for sitar and orchestra, blending Indian and Western classical music traditions.
Cultural Bridge Builder:
He played a pivotal role in the world music movement, acting as a cultural bridge that connected diverse music traditions, and in doing so, promoting understanding and appreciation across cultures.
Music and Spirituality:
For Shankar, music was a deeply spiritual pursuit. He saw his performances and compositions as a means of reaching a higher state of consciousness and connecting with the divine, a perspective that deeply influenced his approach to music.
Innovative Teaching Methods:
Shankar was dedicated to education, teaching both in India and in the West. He developed innovative teaching methods to adapt the complex traditions of Indian classical music for Western students.
Festival Appearances and Global Influence:
His performances at iconic festivals like Woodstock and the Monterey Pop Festival in the 1960s and 70s not only cemented his status as a global music icon but also influenced the counterculture movement’s music and philosophy.
Advocacy and Humanitarian Efforts:
Beyond music, Shankar was involved in various humanitarian efforts, using his fame to advocate for peace and raise funds for numerous causes, including the relief efforts in Bangladesh in 1971.
Legacy and Influence:
Ravi Shankar’s legacy is unparalleled, with a profound influence on both Indian classical and world music. He mentored and inspired generations of musicians, including his daughter Anoushka Shankar, who continues his tradition.
Pandit Ravi Shankar’s unique blend of virtuosity, innovation, and spirituality, coupled with his role as a cultural ambassador, sets him apart from other musicians, marking his indelible impact on the world’s musical landscape.
Honorary doctorate degrees
Pandit Ravi Shankar received honorary doctorate degrees from several universities including the University of Delhi, the University of York, and the University of California, Los Angeles.
Pandit Ravi Shankar’s legacy of recognitions
Pandit Ravi Shankar, one of the most celebrated musicians in the world, received numerous accolades, felicitations, and awards throughout his illustrious career. Here are some of the significant ones:
1.Bharat Ratna: India’s highest civilian award, conferred upon Ravi Shankar in 1999 for his exceptional contributions to the field of music.
2.Padma Vibhushan: The second-highest civilian award in India, awarded to him in 1981 for his outstanding achievements in the arts.
3.Grammy Awards: Ravi Shankar received several Grammy Awards, including:
- Best Chamber Music Performance: “West Meets East,” with Yehudi Menuhin (1967)
- Best World Music Album: “Full Circle: Carnegie Hall 2000,” posthumously (2013).
4.Lifetime Achievement Award (Grammy): He was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1972 for his extraordinary contributions to music.
5.Sangeet Natak Akademi Award: One of India’s most prestigious awards in the field of performing arts, presented to Ravi Shankar in 1962 for his outstanding contribution to Indian music.
6.Padma Bhushan: He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India, in 1967.
7.Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize: In 1991, he received this award in the Arts and Culture category for his contributions to promoting and preserving Asian culture.
8.Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE): Ravi Shankar was honoured with a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II in 2001 for his services to music.
9.Praemium Imperiale: Awarded by the Japan Art Association, Ravi Shankar received this prestigious global arts prize in 1997 for his lifetime achievement in music.
10.Four Emmy Awards: He won four Emmy Awards for his work on television, particularly for composing the music for the documentary series “Shankar Family & Friends” (1979).
Pandit Ravi Shankar: A maestro’s memoirs
“My music, My Life” – An autobiography written by Pandit Ravi Shankar himself, detailing his early life, musical training, and career.
“Raga Mala : The Autobiography of Ravishankar” – A revised and expanded edition of his autobiography that includes additional material and insights from the later years of his life.
“Ravi Shankar: A Life in Music” – A Biography of Pandit Ravi Shankar written by music journalist Timothy White, which explores his life and legacy in depth.
“Pandit Ravi Shankar: The Man and his Music” – A comprehensive study of Pandit Ravi Shankar’s music, written by musicologist Ashok Ranade.
“Indian Music in Performance: A Practical Introduction” – A book co-authored by Pandit Ravi Shankar and George Ruckert, which provides a practical guide to understanding and performing Indian classical music.
Conclusion
Pandit Ravi Shankar’s pioneering spirit and ground breaking contributions in the early years towards music have left an indelible mark in the world of music.
In his illustrious eight-decade long career, Ravi Shankar became a global rage and was called the ‘godfather of world music’ by George Harrison of The Beatles.
His legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration, guiding us to embrace creativity, celebrate diversity, and cultivate harmony through
the universal language of music. As we honour his remarkable journey, we pay tribute to a true visionary whose music continues to resonate across generations, uniting Hearts and souls in n ambrosia of joy and reverence together.
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