Wednesday 7 April 2010

THE SOUL OF INDIA

90th Birthday Greetings to

RAVI SHANKAR


Without doubt, Ravi Shankar is the most celebrated performer of Indian music and his collaborations with George Harrison, Yehudi Menuhin, Philip Glass and others brought him and his music to a world-wide audience.

To celebrate his birthday, here are two magic moments from Shankar's career as a film composer: firstly a scene from the third film in Satyajit Ray's brilliant epic portrayal of Indian life, The Apu Trilogy - Pather Panchali (Song of the Little Road), Aparajito (The Unvanquished) and Apur Sansar (The World of Apu) - made between 1955 and 1959...



And, following Shankar's discovery by the Beatles (or, perhaps, vice versa!) and the first rush of international acclaim, here are the opening minutes of Jonathan Miller's 1966 TV play Alice in Wonderland (yes, I do know I keep going on and on about that film!) with a score performed by the composer and oboist, Leon Goosens...




5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting these great film clips! It's Ravi's 90th not 80th.

Thanks,
Stuart

Jen said...

Marvellous musician!Heard fascinating
programme this Sat.You can hear it until 10th April Mark Tully presenter
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00rs4s9/World_Routes_Ravi_Shankar_Birthday/

Saw his daughter perform last year,such a talent.

Monnizat: spine tingling music

Brian Sibley said...

You're right STUART! He's got 30 years on me and I don't know what I'm doing! I meant to type 90, just didn't do it!!

You're right, too, JEN, it was an excellent programme. Check it out, folks.

Suzanne said...

It's a sure sign that we're growing old, when we don't realise just how old other people are!

Brian Sibley said...

How true!!