About Ravi Shankar Symphony
The Ravi Shankar Symphony is an orchestral work composed by Indian sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar in collaboration with his daughter, sitarist Anoushka Shankar. The release presents a symphonic adaptation of Indian classical ragas, blending Western orchestral structures with Hindustani classical traditions. EMI Classics published the recording on April 30, 2012.
Ravi Shankar structured the symphony in four movements, each based on a distinct raga. The first movement, Allegro - Kafi Zila, introduces the Kafi Zila raga with rhythmic vitality. The second movement, Lento - Ahir Bhairav, explores the meditative Ahir Bhairav raga through slow, expansive phrasing. The third movement, Scherzo - DoGa Kalyan, employs the DoGa Kalyan raga in a playful, syncopated rhythm. The fourth movement, Finale - Banjara, concludes the work with the Banjara raga, integrating folk elements into the orchestral framework.
The London Philharmonic Orchestra performed the symphony under the direction of conductor David Murphy. Anoushka Shankar contributed sitar improvisations within the orchestral arrangement, bridging the gap between solo raga exposition and large-ensemble scoring. The recording captures the live premiere performance, which took place at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
The release consists of four tracks, corresponding to the symphony’s movements. No additional compositions or bonus material appear on the recording. The album marks Ravi Shankar’s first and only full symphonic work, representing a late-career exploration of Western classical forms through an Indian classical lens.