Chants of India Mantram is Ravi Shankar's effort to set Sanskrit chants from ancient Hindu scriptures to music, and the result is a captivating mix of chant and music.Produced by George Harrison, this collection of mantras and prayers from the Vedas, Upanishads, and other scriptures powerfully transports the listener to a place of peace where it's possible to be one with the universe. It's as if a heavy, enveloping cloak of serenity falls from the dark, floating sounds of cello opening the CD. Shankar employs flute, tamboura, harp, and other instruments to accent the mighty "Om" thread that weaves itself through the cloth of this album, bringing together deep, ominous voices with delicate, earthly instruments.
One looking for extensive Shankar sitar might be disappointed, but the beauty of this artist's creativity and spiritual vision sweeps one away into a larger, more meaningful listening experience. Highly recommended. - Karen Karleski (Amazon Reviewer)
Endorsements
"...Unlike Shankar's classical raga recordings, CHANTS is a set of short, colorfully arranged pieces, enjoyable for neophytes and devotees alike. Another jewel from a humble world-music superstar." - Entertainment Weekly (08/01/97, p.74)
"...basing the music on ancient Indian chants...Shankar has produced a surprisingly colorful and accessible set of 16 pieces..." - Jazz Times (10/97, p.81)
CD Contents
- Vandanaa Trayee
- Omkaaraaya Namaha
- Vedic Chanting
- Asato Maa
- Sahanaa Vavatu
- Poornamadah
- Gaayatri
- Mahaa Mrityunjaya
- Veenaa-Murali
- Geetaa
- Mangalam
- Hari Om
- Svara Mantra
- Vedic Chanting
- Prabhujee
- Sarve Shaam
