Homage to Mahatma Gandhi

by Sean WestergaardThe Homage to Mahatma Gandhi referred to in the title is a Ravi Shankar composition entitled "Raga Mohan Kauns." It was composed on the spot during a radio broadcast at the request of the announcer, just days after the assassination of Ghandi in 1948. This performance, however, was recorded much later, in the late '70s. As always, the composition is explored with no accompaniment during the pulseless alap, then Shankar adds a pulse for the jor and jhala before being joined by the great Alla Rakha on tabla for the gat. The second piece, "Raga Gara" goes straight from the alap to the gat, which is explored in three different rhythms. Talas are the rhythmic structures of Indian classical music, and the final piece is an exploration of "Tala Farodast" by Alla Rakha. He is surely one of the finest tabla players of the recorded era and his abilities are awe-inspiring. Any performances featuring Ravi Shankar and Alla Rakha are going to be worthwhile, but the passion of this performance, coupled with a budget price, make it a real winner.