Ravi / Andre Previn Shankar – Concerto For Sitar and Orchestra (LP)

This album features Ravi Shankars first Concerto for sitar, commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra in 1970; it was the first album Andr Previn recorded for EMI Classics (now Warner Classics), in 1971. The work was premiered at London’s Royal Festival Hall on 28 January 1971 and sets a sitar recital of four ragas (including one by Ravi Shankars guru Allauddin Khan, adapted for the concerto) across four movements and within the grand sweep of a full western orchestra.

If Ive accomplished anything, said Ravi Shankar, its that I have been able to open the door to our music in the West. Born in Varanasi in 1920, he achieved worldwide renown as a sitar player and unprecedented influence as an ambassador for Indian classical music, revealing new possibilities to such figures as George Harrison of the Beatles, jazz saxophonist John Coltrane and composer Philip Glass. As a performer, composer, teacher and writer, Ravi Shankar is renowned throughout the world for his pioneering work in bringing Indian music to the West. Shankar has been a cultural influence in the West for more than four decades as Indias most recognized and esteemed musical ambassador.