Crossing the Rubicon

Crossing the Rubicon is a single-track Indian classical instrumental composition by Anoushka Shankar. The artist released the piece in 2011 as part of her album Traveller. The work blends Hindustani classical music with elements of flamenco and electronic textures. The primary format is a studio recording with a duration of 10 minutes and 58 seconds.

Anoushka Shankar performs the sitar as the lead instrument. The composition features a structured progression through alap, jor, and jhala sections, characteristic of Hindustani classical form. Percussion accompaniment includes tabla, played by Tanmoy Bose, and cajón, performed by Sandra Carrasco. The track incorporates electronic effects and layered production techniques to create ambient soundscapes.

The label Deutsche Grammophon distributed the recording. Crossing the Rubicon received attention for its fusion of traditional Indian classical structures with contemporary influences. The piece does not include vocal elements. Additional instrumentation includes guitar, played by Sanjeev Shankar, and bass, performed by Pirashanna Thevarajah.

The context does not specify a standalone release date for the track outside its inclusion on the Traveller album. No live performances or alternate versions of the composition are documented in available sources.