Rag Shankara, Rag Mala in Jogia

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Rag Shankara, Rag Mala in Jogia
album cover art
Studio album by
Ram Narayan
Released1990
Recorded15 and 16 November 1989
GenreHindustani classical music
Length71:01
LabelNimbus

Rag Shankara, Rag Mala in Jogia is a

ragamala ("garland of ragas") based on the introspective early morning raga Jogiya (or Jogia). On both tracks, Narayan performs a long non-metrical introduction to unfold the raga, during which he adds a pulse, until he is joined by the tabla
(percussion) player to perform a composition.

Origin

The album consists of performances of the

raga mala form.[1]

Shankara is considered a solemn and dignified raga that is difficult to master.

Hansadhvani.[2]

Jogiya is considered an introspective raga named for the

that (raga class based on the Bhairav scale type).[6] Jogiya is performed at daybreak and emphasizes the tonic (Sa) and the fifth (Pa).[5] It has several characteristic phrases and, like Shankara, is suited for the upper tetrachord.[6] Joep Bor argued that the raga appears to be related to raga Asavari.[5] Jogiya is one of Narayan's favorite ragas.[1]

A raga mala ("garland of ragas") allows for the introduction of other ragas, which can be from any time of the day.[7][8] The change from Jogiya into another raga and back must be smooth as there is no break in the music, making a raga mala difficult to perform.[8]

Recording and artwork

"Rāg Shankara"
The tabla join the sarangi for the composition.
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Rag Shankara, Rag Mala in Jogia was recorded on 15 and 16 November 1989 in Wyastone Leys near Monmouth, Wales.[1] Narayan begins the performances by playing a long alap (non-metrical introduction) and jor (performance with pulse).[1] The tabla player then joins Narayan in performing a composition, repeating the rhythmic cycle on which the composition is based and playing occasional improvisations.[1]

The album cover features a painting made ca. 1760 in Murshidabad in the provincial Mughal style of Bengal.[9] It depicts a young woman sitting next to a lake, playing on a rudra veena to a parakeet, which symbolizes her absent lover.[9] A picture of Narayan with his sarangi, taken by Joseph Stieger, is on the back of the album.[1]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic
[10]
New Straits Times(favorable)[11]

Allmusic critic Ken Hunt described Narayan's performance of "Rag Shankara" as "ideal for the night hours"[10] and R. S. Murthi of the New Straits Times argued that the album showcased the "delicate tone" of the sarangi and its capacity for "seductive lyricism".[11]

Track listing

  1. "Rāg Shankara" – 39:11
  2. "Rāg Mala in Jogia" – 31:50

Personnel

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Bor, Joep (1990). Rag Shankara, Rag Mala in Jogia (CD booklet). Ram Narayan. England: Nimbus Records. NI 5245.
  2. ^
    ISBN 0-9543976-0-6
    .
  3. ISBN 0-86132-226-6
    .
  4. ISBN 81-208-1801-6
    .
  5. ^ a b c Bor 1999, p. 92
  6. ^
    ISBN 81-208-0673-5
    .
  7. ^ Bor 1999, p. 181
  8. ^
    ISBN 0-7190-0756-9
    .
  9. ^ a b "Gujari Ragini". Victoria and Albert Museum. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  10. ^
    Allmusic
    . Retrieved 20 March 2010.
  11. ^ a b Murthi, R. S. (7 June 1992). "Rhythm of the universe". New Straits Times. p. 11.

External links

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