Introduction to South Asian Classical music - Part I

This week's songs are a brief intro to South Asian classical music - certainly as deep & moving as it's European counterpart if not more so. South Asian classical music is performed with less instruments but the arrangements are just as complicated. Interestingly, the ragas (as the pieces are known) are written to be listened to according to the movements of the sun. Some are written specifically to be listened to as you are waking up at sunrise, some at noon and others as the moon is out as you are going to bed. It is said that each person will have their own preference as to when they most enjoy a particular raga - regardless of your personal choice, they are a great way to either begin or end your day.

The 1st song is one of Nilong's favorites - it is called {Panihari} or Water Lady. It primarily uses the sarod (12 other instruments accompany it) & is performed by the legendary Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. See album description here

The 2nd song is one of my favorites - using the very subtle instrument - {Santoor} - it is performed by Pandit Shivkumar Sharma.