"As we seek what we know is an infinite expanse of ideals, we regulate our processes accordingly, and eventually liberate ourselves reaching for it. Music is my path to achieving such transcendence." - Pt. Vijay Raghav Rao

1. Amritavarshini 

In this performance, Panditji uses his music to express the transcendent bond between his art form and divinity. In the canon of classical Indian music the scale, structure and exposition of Amritavarshini is said to capture the net human yearning for fulfillment in times of distress. Performed with exemplary artistic skill, devotion and heartfelt passion, this rendition embodies both a prayer and the exultation that comes when it is answered. 

Alap; Drut, Teen Taal (Cycle of 16 beats) 
2nd Flute: Pt. Datta Thakar
Tabla: Pt. Manikrao Popatkar

2. Rageshwari 

To Panditji, the purpose of art is to hone diverse, stipulated skills and the strictures of tradition to reach a transcendent plane where ethereal beauty resides in a state of permanence. There is hardly any recording of his that exemplifies this belief better than this performance. Subtle, measured, delving deep, low and high into three octaves to bring forth the character of what is commonly known as the queen of all Ragas, this exposition is a seamless integration of technical virtuosity and emotive feeling expressed to portray beatific, compassionate beauty. 

Alap; Saadra, Rupak Taal (Cycle of 7 beats); Drut Teen Taal (Cycle of 16 beats) 
Tabla: Pt. Girdhar Prasad Jaipurwale 

3. Chandni Kedar 

This rendition is Panditji’s paean to Shiva, the omniscient god of the creative essence that is the source of all art forms. Shorn of artifice, possessions, events and relationships that make for life, an enlightened musician implicitly seeks to make a connection with Shiva in the dark of night, relying solely on the transcendental path provided by the moon’s light. Chandni Kedar, when expressed by Panditji, brings palpable meaning to this metaphorical connotation. The performance glistens (knowingly emphasizing the infinite benevolence of the creative, transcendental entity that is Shiva; dwelling as He does in the limitless abode of nocturnal beauty), acknowledges the connection between artist and mentor, then celebrates the joy of realizing innate, perpetual creativity. 

Alap; Gat, Ek Taal (Cycle of 12 beats) 
Tabla: Pt. Girdhar Prasad Jaipurwale 

4. Drut Madhuwanti 

The album concludes with Panditji’s expression of the untainted happiness attained in a state of transcendence as codified in a brief rondo of rapid tempo. Artistic excellence comes shining through musical notes strung in lilting cascades hanging together in an exuberant composition. When words, time, distance, experience, memory and life are done and gone a succinct melody remains, celebrating transcendence. 

Drut Teen Taal (Cycle of 16 beats) 
2nd Flute Dr. Vijay Vardhan Elchuri
Tabla: Sanjay Kumar

Pt. Vijay Raghav Rao: T R A N S C E N D E N C E

Recorded live in Bombay and Madras, India and Springfield, VA, USA 

Special thanks to Smt. Lakshmi V. Rao 

Sound Executive Dr. Vijay Vardhan Elchuri  Executive Producer Sanjay Kumar 

© 2015 by Pt. Vijay Raghav Rao & Family 

From The Red & Green Company