Videos

Raag Shree during sunset at
Grand Canyon, Arizona

Raag Yaman (Emann)
Pace University, New York

Raag Shree in Jhaptaal
Tucson, Arizona

Raag Madhuvanti
KXCI Radio, Tucson, Arizona

Smithsonian Institution
Washington DC

Bharat Ratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Award Function, Mumbai

University of California, Santa Cruz

Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi

Karnatak Sangh Auditorium, Mumbai

Doordarshan television recording

Interview for
Jai Maharashta News Channel

Playing for
Jai Maharashta News Channel

Pandit Ram Narayan with
son Brij Narayan

Pandit Ram Narayan is joined by his son Brij Narayan on the Sarod, in an evocative rendering of raga Shree. This is a rare collaboration between a plucked and a bowed instrument, both of which are principally different from each other and hence, usually struggle to find a common musical voice. Here, both Sarangi and Sarod are united, speaking the same language – Pandit Ram Narayan’s brilliant three-octave taans and Brij Narayan’s equally exciting rhythm and stroke variations combine to create a rich musical event. Both the vilambit and drut compositions are in teental.

Pandit Ram Narayan with
daughter Aruna Narayan

One of the most significant works in this series is the masterly performance of a rarely heard raga, Shankara. Pandit Ram Narayan is accompanied by his daughter Aruna Narayan Kalle, in this aesthetically inspiring performance, with great charm and understanding. The two Sarangis are perfect cohesion, leading, completing and moving forward musical sequences in a rare example of fine collaborative effort. The vilambit composition in teental is vintage Ram Narayan. A beautifully crafted composition that highlights the raga chalan. The muscial phrases are as rich as the rhythmic designs. The drut composition is also one of Pandit Ram Narayan;s own and it exploits raga Shankara in a way, only a master can. Aruna’s contribution to this piece is invaluable. She proves her mettle in a convincing manner.

Pandit Ram Narayan with
grandson Harsh Narayan

A beautiful raga of the Todi family, Bhupal Todi, is rarely played on Sarangi, owing to its difficult, pentatonic scale. Pandit Ram Narayan defies age as he effortlessly explores this raga with his masterly simplicity. Gracefully and ably accompanying him on Sarangi, is his talented grandson, Harsh Narayan, the finest Sarangi player from the younger set. He is a chip of the old block, as is evident from his extraordinary command over the instrument and the fundamentals of music.