About Sound of the Sitar
Sound of the Sitar is a studio album by Indian classical musicians Ravi Shankar and Alla Rakha. The album was released in 1967. It presents instrumental performances in the Hindustani classical tradition. The primary format is a vinyl LP record. The label for the release is Angel Records.
Ravi Shankar performs the sitar on all tracks. Alla Rakha accompanies him on the tabla. The album contains three tracks. The first track, Alap and Jor in Raga Malkauns, features a slow, meditative alap followed by a rhythmic jor section in Raga Malkauns. This raga is associated with late-night performances and evokes a mood of introspection. The second track, Tala Sawari, demonstrates intricate rhythmic interplay between the sitar and tabla. The composition follows a cyclical tala structure, showcasing improvisation within fixed rhythmic patterns. The third track, Pahari Dhun, is a folk-inspired melody from the Pahari region of northern India. Shankar and Rakha adapt the tune into a classical framework, incorporating improvisational elements.
The album exemplifies the collaborative dynamic between sitar and tabla in Hindustani classical music. It highlights Ravi Shankar’s melodic phrasing and Alla Rakha’s rhythmic precision. The release contributed to the broader recognition of Indian classical music in Western audiences during the 1960s. The exact recording location and production personnel are not documented in available sources.