Mantram: Chant of India

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Editorial reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
iChants of India/i Mantram is Ravi Shankar's effort to set Sanskrit chants from ancient Hindu scriptures to music, and the result is a captivating mix of chant and music. Produced by George Harrison, this collection of mantras and prayers from the Vedas, Upanishads, and other scriptures powerfully transports the listener to a place of peace where it's possible to be one with the universe. It's as if a heavy, enveloping cloak of serenity falls from the dark, floating sounds of cello opening the CD. Shankar employs flute, tamboura, harp, and other instruments to accent the mighty "Om" thread that weaves itself through the cloth of this album, bringing together deep, ominous voices with delicate, earthly instruments. One looking for extensive Shankar sitar might be disappointed, but the beauty of this artist's creativity and spiritual vision sweeps one away into a larger, more meaningful listening experience. Highly recommended. i--Karen Karleski/i

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2008-07-20 rating:
This is soul stirring music !
The biggest quality of this album is that no matter how many times you listen to it, every morning it will touch your inner being.The invocations are recited with such purity and sincerity, even if you do not understand Sanskrit, the effect is soul-stirring.

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review by: techstrategist date: 2005-04-29 rating:
Not an easy classification, but worth possessing...
One of the reviewers refers to the music as adding to his collection of Indian classical music. If one were to draw the line dividing classical from 'pop' music, based on popularity, the review readers will be pleased to know that this music would be called 'pop' music. pThe Vedic and other Hindu chants included in this record are a part of many Sanaatan-dharmi Hindu homes in their daily devotional routines. pTracks 4 and 5 also form part of prayer in many schools in North India. 'Asato Maa' is a prayer to be led from falsehood to truth, darkness to light, death to eternal life, and hence suits the pursuit of knowledge. 'Sahanaavavatu', which is how it should be written in true representation from Sanskrit, is a prayer for togetherness in working and sharing, and the equivalent of deliverance from evil. Track 7 is one used often in Aryan Samaaj worship ceremonies of the Fire. pAlthough I am not religious, for me, this is a far better way to start my morning instead of switching on breakfast TV. It only competes with Ravi Shankar/ Yehudi Menuhin's 'East meets West' with its own enchanting compositions, which I have also reviewed on Amazon UK.

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review by: keymoo date: 2004-01-06 rating:
Divine
If listened to without distraction, the music will penetrate and will leave a residue of peace, calmness and oneness. Highly recommended - the first track is simply divine. If I play this track I have to stop what I am doing and simply listen. Wonderful.

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review by: date: 2003-08-04 rating:
Entrancing Chants
At first my reaction was that this CD was over-produced and over-arranged, all those western instruments, cello, harp, and echoey effects. pBut very quickly the simplicity of the chants ( including old favourites from the Upanishads ) and the uncluttered feeling of devotion made this an irresistable mix. The different instrumental sounds gleam like jewels against the subtle, sombre tone of the voices.pI listen to it every day, and it does not stale, the one sure sign of something very special. Wonderful.


review by: date: 2001-10-30 rating:
What a splendid enterprise Ravi!
I have been collecting Indian classical music for many years, and I guess I may have become a trifle jaded! What a revelation! These chants contain so many vocal and instrumental jewels. Not only am I enjoying the album, but it has prompted me to listen again to things I had neglected.brSeasoned followers and those who have appreciated George Harrisons efforts, buy this!

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