Essential indian classical music listening

The albums that define indian classical music.

Our picks for where to start with indian classical music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The indian classical music essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Namaste

Rahul Sharma

Namaste

A serene blend of Indian classical music and contemporary electronic elements that invites deep meditation.

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Live: Ravi Shankar at the Monterey International Pop Festival

Ravi Shankar

Live: Ravi Shankar at the Monterey International Pop Festival

Mesmerizing sitar melodies weave through intricate rhythms, creating a transcendent experience of Indian classical music.

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Portrait of Genius

Ravi Shankar

Portrait of Genius

A mesmerizing blend of intricate sitar melodies and rhythmic tabla patterns that transcend cultural boundaries.

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The Sounds of India

Ravi Shankar

The Sounds of India

A vibrant tapestry of traditional Indian ragas, weaving intricate melodies through masterful sitar and vocal performances.

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Sound of the Sitar

Ravi Shankar

Sound of the Sitar

A transcendent journey through intricate ragas that evoke deep emotions and spiritual connection.

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In San Francisco

Ravi Shankar

In San Francisco

A captivating blend of traditional Hindustani melodies and rhythmic complexity, echoing the spiritual depth of Indian classical music.

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Improvisations

Ravi Shankar

Improvisations

A serene exploration of Hindustani classical music through intricate improvisations and delicate melodic nuances.

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India's Master Musician

Ravi Shankar

India's Master Musician

A vibrant tapestry of ragas woven with intricate melodies and rhythmic elegance, showcasing the essence of Hindustani classical music.

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Concerto for Sitar & Orchestra

Ravi Shankar

Concerto for Sitar & Orchestra

A vibrant fusion of traditional Indian ragas and orchestral textures that transcends cultural boundaries.

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Full Circle: Carnegie Hall 2000

Ravi Shankar

Full Circle: Carnegie Hall 2000

An intricate tapestry of raga and rhythm unfolds, showcasing the depth of Hindustani classical music in a live setting.

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Ragas & Talas

Ravi Shankar

Ragas & Talas

A meditative journey through intricate melodic patterns and rhythmic structures that invite deep reflection.

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Passages

Ravi Shankar

Passages

A mesmerizing blend of Indian classical melodies and minimalist Western orchestration creates a transcendent listening experience.

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Chants of India

Ravi Shankar

Chants of India

A serene exploration of ancient Vedic chants infused with Ravi Shankar's signature sitar melodies and meditative rhythms.

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The Living Room Sessions Part 1

Ravi Shankar

The Living Room Sessions Part 1

Delicate sitar melodies weave through expansive ragas, invoking deep emotional landscapes and the essence of Indian classical tradition.

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Three Ragas

Ravi Shankar

Three Ragas

A meditative exploration of traditional Indian ragas, showcasing intricate melodies and profound emotional depth.

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Ravi Shankar's Festival from India

Ravi Shankar

Ravi Shankar's Festival from India

A rich tapestry of traditional Indian melodies woven with complex rhythms and spiritual depth.

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A Morning Raga / An Evening Raga

Ravi Shankar

A Morning Raga / An Evening Raga

A mesmerizing journey through North Indian classical music, blending intricate melodies with profound emotional depth.

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Shankar Family & Friends

Ravi Shankar

Shankar Family & Friends

A vibrant fusion of Hindustani classical music with contemporary influences, celebrating cultural unity and familial bonds.

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Collaborations

Ravi Shankar

Collaborations

A rich tapestry of devotional and classical Indian music, blending traditional elements with modern interpretations.

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Tana Mana

Ravi Shankar

Tana Mana

A vibrant fusion of traditional Indian melodies woven into contemporary arrangements, reflecting a cultural tapestry.

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In New York

Ravi Shankar

In New York

Exquisite ragas intertwine with vibrant improvisation, evoking the spiritual essence of Hindustani classical music.

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In London

Ravi Shankar

In London

A vibrant tapestry of intricate ragas and improvisational flair that captures the essence of Indian classical music.

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Ravi Shankar: In Celebration

Ravi Shankar

Ravi Shankar: In Celebration

A vibrant tapestry of Hindustani classical music woven with intricate sitar melodies and rich orchestral textures.

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At the Woodstock Festival

Ravi Shankar

At the Woodstock Festival

Transcendent ragas and intricate rhythms transport listeners to a meditative state amidst the chaos of Woodstock.

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