Hariprasad Chaurasia - Maestro of the Indian Flute

Times Square Records

The bansuri flute is an ancient folk instrument used for centuries in India as one of the three primary modes of musical spiritual worship. But in modern times the bansuri has gained respect as a classical instrument, as well. The world-renowned flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia has been one of the major forces in its popularization, and his latest double-disc album, Maestro of the Indian Flute, is a powerful call from the soul of Hindustani Classical Music.

Accompanied lightly by drums and sitar, Chaurasia’s flute is given center stage to showcase its versatility and emotional range. In the hands of such a master, the instrument seems to become an extension of his spirit, expressing itself eloquently and wordlessly. The songs blend seamlessly from one to the next, with the drone of the sitar lulling the listener into a contemplative state and the bansuri playing lightly on the consciousness of the mind.

This is not the CD you’d buy at Starbucks to play while practicing yoga. This is authentic and profound. This is intense. It deserves the sort of attention from its audience that the musicians give it while performing. And while we may not be able to study it for centuries as a form of spiritual practice, we can listen with intent, and imagine all the spiritual power that has brought this music through such a long and complex history.

By Jessica Star Rockers

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Maestro of the Indian Flute