India, unlike any other country in the world, boasts of cradling an art music that has been sifted and refined over 4000 years. With the even flow of evolution and an unshakeable support of theory, raga music is at once vibrant, mesmeric and sublime to this day. At its core is an ambition to profoundly change the performer and the listener at the deepest level. Nothing more nothing less!
Raga Unveiled is a most inspiring and sweeping look at the entire “ architectural brilliance” of a musical system that gave birth to this most wonderful and profound musical art form. For the first time on film, eloquent commentaries by musicians, Vedic scholars, and musicologists join hands with spectacular cinematography, intoxicating spectrums of sound, and rare archival footage resulting in a grand synthesis to honor this music in its entirety.
Raga Unveiled inspires, moves and transports one to a place that you never imagined existed. It is a spiritual engagement second to none!
Raga Unveiled features together for the very first time in one dynamic film…
Ravi Shankar, Samir Chatterjee, Ashwini Bhide, Amjad Ali Khan, Ashok Ranade, Birju Maharaj, Purbayan Chatterjee, Ali Akbar Khan, Aarti Anklikar, Zakir Hussain, Subhash Kak, Ajay Chakravarti, Tanmoy Bose, Rajan Mishra, Vijay Kichlu, Kumar Mukherjee, Lalitha Ubhaykar, Nayan Ghosh, Bismillah Khan, Kishan Maharaj, Shivkumar Sharma, Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan, Veena Sahasrabudhhe, Bhimsen Joshi, Swami Yogatmananda, Swapan Chaudhari, Subhra Guha, Sabina Islam, Rakesh Chaurasia, Ronu Majumdar, Ram Ashray Jha, Gangubai Hangal, Arvind Parikh, Gundecha Brothers, Prabha Atre, Bhawani Shankar, Dinkar Kaikini, Ahmed Jan Thirakhwa, Amir Khan, George Ruckert, Yogesh Samsi, Padma Talwalkar, Allaudin Khan, SCR Bhatt, Jayant Kaustur, Steve Gorn, Yogesh Samsi, Allah Rakha, Kushal Das, Subhankar Banerjee, Prabha Atre, Shashank, Sudha Raghunathan, Shujaat Khan, Amit Mukherjee, Sangeeta Katti Kulkarni, Tejendra Majumdar, Mansi Majumdar, Fahimuddin Dagar, Debhashish Bhattacharya, Dr. Satya Narayan Dasa, Manjri Asnare and many more . . .
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Buy Raga Unveiled DVD on Amazon.com
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Raga Unveiled Synopsis
Philosophy and History
Here, the fundamental understanding of pure sound as understood by the sages is expressed. Its primary purpose to attain Self Transcendence is covered.
Sound as described in the Vedas, the chantings of the hymns, the more basic folk or deshi renderings, to the development of Ragas all culminate beautifully and bring you to the modern era. The historical and social influences are also covered.
Note and Melody
The meaning of raga and its grammar is clearly unfolded through the help of interviews, demos and beautiful and informative visual graphics. Many wonderful performances are also interspersed.
Tempo and Rhythm
The unique role of rhythm as an equal limb of Raga music is most articulately emphasized. All the different components of the Indian rhythmic system are laid out, followed by befitting demos and graphics. Its brilliance shines forth through the explanations and performance clips.
Moods and Emotions
The Rasa’s or moods and emotions in a raga are described and the techniques by which they are infused in the music are beautifully demonstrated by many stalwarts. Covering the importance of the audience in this equation brings out a very unique aspect of this music.
Improvisation
The hallmark of the raga music being the ability to play or sing for unlimited time, is driven very clearly in this chapter. A fantastic example in the form of a 6 person ensemble making music on the spot is perhaps the highlight of this film!
Master and Disciple
The extraordinary system of oral transmission of knowledge from teacher to pupil, and all the subtle nuances of this relationship are covered.
Lineage
Some light is thrown on the system of schools or lineage within the vocal and instrumental genres.
Training and Performance
The ability to be able to perform for such lengths of time and improvise requires a certain extraordinary type of grooming and training system and dedication from the disciple and the guru. Here a glimpse of this is shown leading into how one prepares to become a performer.
Compositional Styles
The journey of the older Dhrupad forms to the present Khyal singing is well explained. Some of the major light classical genres are illuminated. Wonderful renderings of each genre makes this chapter delightful to view.
Instruments
The classification of the instrumental categories are explained. Some unique aspects of Indian instruments are covered. A great tribute is paid to the instrument makers as well. Also covers a sweeping look at the cottage industries that create these exquisite instruments.
Points to Ponder
Here, many great musicians voice their opinions on todays influences on the musical scene with some heartwarming pledges to keep this wonderful heritage alive.
