About A Musical Discovery of India
A Musical Discovery of India is a studio album by Indian composer and sitarist Ananda Shankar. Released on January 1, 1978, the album blends traditional Indian classical music with Western instrumental arrangements and electronic elements. Shankar composed and produced the work, continuing his exploration of fusion styles that defined his earlier recordings.
The album contains seven tracks. Namaskar opens the release with a sitar-led introduction accompanied by orchestral strings. The Hill Train incorporates rhythmic patterns reminiscent of a moving locomotive, layered with tabla and synthesizer textures. Kaziranga Beat draws inspiration from the wildlife of Assam, featuring percussive drives and melodic motifs on the sitar. Akbar’s Jewels references Mughal court music, combining classical Indian raga structures with brass and woodwind sections. Brindavan Revel evokes the spiritual atmosphere of the Brindavan region through a blend of vocal chants and instrumental improvisation. Dawn at Varanasi captures the ambiance of the sacred city with slow-building tanpura drones and sparse percussion. The closing track, Discovery of India, synthesizes themes from the album into a cohesive finale, emphasizing Shankar’s fusion approach.
The release format and original label remain undocumented in available sources. The album reflects Shankar’s signature style of merging Hindustani classical traditions with contemporary production techniques. No additional details about recording sessions, contributing musicians, or commercial reception are confirmed.