Saaz: Sitar (Set of Two Audio CDs)

In Indian classical music, the measure of an instrument’s acceptability into the classical arena has traditionally been the extent to which it can imitate vocal music, in all its intricacies and nuances. Over the years, the Indian musical genius has produced musical wonders – instruments that are matchless throughout the world in terms of their sound quality, their intricacy, their mechanics, their verisimilitude to the human voice, and most importantly, the depth of emotion they are capable of stirring in the listeners.

This series showcases just such melodic marvels: eight of the most popular and fascinating Hindustani classical instruments from India’s musical treasure-chest. Saaz (the Urdu word for a musical instrument) brings together some of the finest classical instrumental renditions by acknowledged masters. Each double volume album thus gives a glimpse of the multitude of styles in which the instrument is played.

The eight instruments in this series are: Sitar, Tabla, Santoor, Flute, Sarod, Sarangi, Violin and Shehnai. This album, featuring the sitar, presents three artistes of renown – Pt. Ravi Shankar, Ustad Vilayat Khan, and Shujaat Hussain Khan.