About Sarangi / The Voice of a Hundred Colors
Sarangi / The Voice of a Hundred Colors is a studio album featuring the Indian classical instrument sarangi, performed by Ram Narayan with accompaniment from Mahapurush Misra on tabla and Shirish Gor on tanpura. The label Nonesuch released the recording in 1969 as a 12\" vinyl LP with three tracks.
Ram Narayan composed and performed the primary sarangi pieces, showcasing the instrument’s expressive range in North Indian classical music. Mahapurush Misra provided rhythmic support on tabla, while Shirish Gor maintained the drone foundation with tanpura. The album captures traditional dhrupad and khayal influences through improvisational alaap and structured compositions.
The tracklist includes three performances: Nand-Kedar, Jogia, and Dhun. Nand-Kedar explores a raga associated with devotion and evening moods, characterized by slow, meditative phrasing. Jogia adopts a more rhythmic and introspective approach, reflecting the ascetic themes of its namesake raga. Dhun concludes the album with a lighter, folk-inspired melody, emphasizing the sarangi’s ability to mimic vocal nuances.
The 1969 release marked one of the earliest international distributions of Indian classical music on a Western label, introducing the sarangi to global audiences. Nonesuch produced the vinyl with liner notes detailing the instrument’s history and the artists’ backgrounds. The recording session’s exact location and additional production personnel remain undocumented in available sources.
Ram Narayan’s performance on this album contributed to the sarangi’s recognition as a solo instrument beyond its traditional role as a vocal accompaniment. The collaboration with Misra and Gor demonstrated the interplay between melody, rhythm, and drone in Hindustani classical music. Later reissues and digital remasters preserved the original analog recording, though no expanded editions or alternate takes have been officially confirmed.