The Master Works

by Chris NicksonSatyajit Ray, one of the most revered Indian filmmakers was a multifaceted man. In addition to his work for the screen, he was a talented artist and composer who wrote music for many of his own films. The Master Works offers pieces from a number of his films, such as "Devi." Some, like "Aparajito" (from the Apu trilogy), are little more than snippets, but there's plenty of compensation in the epic of "Jalsaghar," which runs over 23 minutes. But while this is Indian film music, it shouldn't be confused with the more populist Bollywood sound. This is very beautiful -- and, it should be stressed, very accessible -- music for films, with a true soundtrack quality, although, as this collection proves, it can certainly stand alone, a true statement of Indian film music from one who helped forge it. Perhaps a little more detail about the music itself in the liner notes would have been nice, but the music truly speaks for itself in its grandeur.