CELESTIAL : Pt. Vijay Raghav Rao In Concert

This album features two critically acclaimed recordings of live performances on the flute by the celebrated flautist, composer, conductor, choreographer and poet.

“Expansive, spontaneous creativity. Imaginative delineation bearing the stamp of a creative genius. Studded with lively melodic and rhythmic phrases” – The Statesman

"What is celestial but a place in our being" - Steve Elchuri 

1. Puriya: Exposition In Three Movements (Live) 

In the pantheon of Indian classical music Puriya is recognized as the king of Ragas. In this performance Pt. Vijay Raghav Rao elucidates an improvisation worthy of its nobility, even as it stands proud as a shining example of his legendary renown. In keeping with its demanding stricture that emphasizes the lower octave in subtle proportion to the middle and higher octaves, the exposition realizes the essential character of its compositions with the assured certitude of a masterful genius. Equally important and noteworthy is the fact that through the diverse tonal palette of its elaborate movements, the performance expresses in variegated colors an encompassing feeling of spiritual perfection that is the metaphorical equivalent of kinghood. His music, as Panditji is wont to say, is a path from the self to the eternal non-self, where perpetual enlightenment reigns in forever splendor. This rendition is such precept in practice. Served amply by unsurpassed skill, it is a fine example of an artist melding emotion and belief into a performance for the ages. 

    a. Aalap 
    b. Vilambit, Jhoomra Taal, set to 14 beats per cycle  
    c. Drut, Ek Taal, set to 12 beats per cycle 

Tabla: Pt. Girdhar Prasad Jaipurwale 

2. Vachaspati: Encore (Live) 
  
As an expression of his affection for his roots in the carnatic system of Indian music, Panditji chose to perform live in this piece a uniquely personal improvisation of Vachaspati, a Raga uncommon to the Hindustani classical music system.  Literally meaning a paean to the lord of the spoken word, Vachaspati celebrates the spiritual confluence of music and literature. A free flowing Aalap tinged with feelings of longing, devotion and gratitude sets up a framework that is progressive within the code of its hallowed origins. A mid-tempo composition follows, sparkling with Panditji’s characteristic cascade of expressive phrases strung as in a garland to honor bygone memories, devout learning and invaluable experience in a revered system of music to which he owes much.   

    a. Chhota aalap 
    b. Drut, Teen Taal, set to 16 beats per cycle 

Tabla: Pt. Mahadev Indorkar

 

CELESTIAL: Pt. Vijay Raghav Rao In Concert

Special thanks to the National Center For The Performing Arts, Bombay, India 

Special thanks to Smt. Lakshmi V. Rao 

Sound Executive Dr. Vijay Elchuri  Executive Producer Sanjay Kumar

© 2019 by Pt. VIjay Raghav Rao & Family 

From The Red & Green Company