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shiny objects

Sunday, September 18, 2005


Two words: Ravi Motherfuckingshankar. Oh gentle readers, if you could have only seen him play! On friday past, I flew out to Houston for a special concert - Ravi Shankar's festival of India III.

The concert was preceded by a troupe of classical indian dancers, none of which could have been any older than myself. They moved with exceptional grace and precision, despite the intricate trappings of their costumes. And what costumes they were - red and violet and white cloth, gilded, emblazoned with jewels, embroidered, and beset with bells. Every time they planted their feet, the bells would ring marvelously. I can't forget the choreographed movements of their eyes! So beautiful.

And then the concert began. The first half of the concert featured Anoushka Shankar, Ravi's daughter, and a full ensemble of Indian instruments - subhar, sarod, shenai, tabla, zither, violin, vocalists, you name it. Anoushka played the sitar while conducting the other musicians. I must say, she is extremely talented. In another twenty years, she'll be every bit the master that her father is.

During the second half of the concert, Ravi and Anoushka played several heart-wrenching duets. At times, it seemed that they were trying to outdo each other. The music flowed and surged with grace that could only be described through a series of hackneyed, cliche metaphors (which I will spare you). Never have I heard a more beautiful performance. The sitar is truly the king of instruments.

I am so inspired by their performance that I have decided to take up the sitar next semester. I want to learn. I MUST learn.


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