This album celebrates original works by Baluji Shrivastav inspired by different artists and musical forms. Baluji brings passion for melody and rhythm inherent in Indian Classical music, together with poetic and philosophical insight, in a series of compositions demonstrating a breath-taking versatility as a virtuoso musician and composer.
1. A Dream of Andalucia – Baluji Shrivastav sitar | Ignacio Monteverde guitar
There is an emotional and historic connection between Indian and flamenco music, charting the experiences of migration and the struggle of people over many generations. This piece involving the interaction between two great musicians whose own lives and musical journeys have brought them far from the country of their birth. It is based on Raag Charukeshi.
2. Antardrishti – Inner Vision This piece focuses on an interpretation by Baluji of the seminal Hindu intellectual and philosophical epic text called Bhagavad Gita, which was written in Sanskrit between 400 BCE and 200 CE. The piece opens with a choral arrangement of the beej seed mantra “OM”, followed by a verse in Sanskrit praising Krishna and the powers of nature.
3. Sohini’s Aria – Baluji Shrivastav dilruba, tanpura | Linda Shanson vocals
This aria is from the world’s first, and so far, only opera in Urdu: ‘Sohini and Mahival’ composed by Baluji Shrivastav and Dario Marianelli. It is inspired by a folktale that is popular both in Sindh (Pakistan) and Punjab (India). Like ‘Romeo and Juliet’, it is a story of forced marriage, honour killings and passion.
4. Sitar Guitar Suites – Poorvi Raag Mala (Garland of Raags) – Baluji Shrivastav sitar | Boo Boo Sianturi guitar
Baluji draws on his immersion in rhythm and melody that characterizes Indian classical music, and weaves these elements into this interaction with harmony and the tonal richness of the sitar with guitar, in four movements. The piece was commissioned by renowned guitarist Timothy Walker with support from Arts Council England.
Album: Indian Classical Interactions
Artist: Baluji Shrivastav
Label: ARC Music
Cat#: EUCD2925
Released: Friday 25th September 2020
