Ravi Shankar
Ravi Shankar
Ravi Shankar, KBE, born Rabindra Shankar Chowdhury, his name often preceded by the title Pandit, was a known Indian musician and a composer of Hindustani classical music. He was one of the best-known exponents of the sitar in the second half of the 20th century and influenced many other musicians throughout the world...
NationalityIndian
ProfessionSitar Player
Date of Birth7 April 1920
CityVaranasi, India
CountryIndia
came classical hear house music musicians western
My brother had a house in Paris. To it came many Western classical musicians. These musicians all made the same point: 'Indian music,' they said, 'is beautiful when we hear it with the dancers. On its own, it is repetitious and monotonous.'
believe classical improvised last mozart music olden somehow western
In the olden days, I believe Mozart also improvised on piano, but somehow in the last 200 years, the whole training of Western classical music - they don't read between the lines, they just read the lines.
believe classical composer electronic mixed music performer protecting tried
In India, I have been called a 'destroyer.' But that is only because they mixed my identity as a performer and as a composer. As a composer I have tried everything, even electronic music and avant-garde. But as a performer I am, believe me, getting more classical and more orthodox, jealously protecting the heritage that I have learned.
based certain classical composed music perform sounds written
In the U.K., classical music is composed by individuals and written down. Indian music is based on certain sequences called ragas. When I perform live, 95% of the music is improvised: it never sounds the same twice.
audiences became classical known
I do think that my Indian classical audiences thought I was sacrificing them through working with George; I became known as the 'fifth Beatle.' In India, they thought I was mad.
difficulty great middle sitting takes time
I have great difficulty sitting in the middle of the night and writing. Everything I do comes spontaneous. Sometimes it takes a long time; sometimes it comes just like that.
became george since
Many people, especially young people, have started listening to sitar since George Harrison, one of the Beatles, became my disciple.
famous people
When people say that George Harrison made me famous, that is true in a way.
george left lives looked memories moments precious remain spent surrounded
We spent the day before with him, and even then he looked so peaceful, surrounded by love. George has left so many precious memories and moments in all our lives which will remain with us forever.
To me, you know, from my childhood I always had a fascination for United States.
I was invited for the first Woodstock. Actually, I started the programme.
gradually music
I started out as a dancer, but gradually became more interested in music.
popularity
I think musicians and actors have all these problems, because of the popularity and the opportunity.
art believe love millions owning work
I love the work of Matisse and Picasso, but I don't have enough millions to own one. And I don't really believe in owning art, anyway.