Raga Unveiled ReviewsWe are just delighted by the enthusiastic response to Raga Unveiled. As they become available we will share reviews here on our website. If you would like to bring a review to our attention, please write to info@ragaunveiled.com.
India Currents, Priya Das, Jul 31, 2009 Raga Unveiled, a movie on the history and essence of Hindustani classical music is a perfect storm of filmmaking, narration, editing, music, and the key element—a singular, unselfish passion for the art. Set to debut in California this month, the documentary made its Indian debut in February and was screened in Connecticut in spring. MORE
Yoga + Joyful Living Magazine Aug.2009 review by Rolf Sovik, President of Himalayan Institute This four-hour documentary is not only a terrific introduction to North Indian classical music, but a treasury of interviews with many of India’s greatest living musicians and music scholars. Each of its twelve sections sheds light on an important element of musical composition and performance—beginning with the deeply moving philosophy that underlies Indian music. You’ll explore the notes (the svaras) of the scale, the evocative ragas that evolve from them, the intricate rhythms that so intimately accompany the ragas, and the nature of improvisation as an art form. Each DVD also offers a stirring–if all too brief–selection of extraordinary musical performances. Raga Unveiled is a delightful survey of one of the world’s most ancient living art forms.
Nishith Upadhyaya I am a tabla player for 20 years and a bansuri student. I finished just 1 DVD, and need to watch it at least 30 more times to soak it all up. Pretty amazing archival work. Each interview left me wanting to see more. You see, prolific playing is certainly one thing to enjoy, but salient unsertanding of the structure within which the prolific player works in - THAT is where the joy of listening turns into true bliss. Thanks for adding depth to my, as I now realize after watching just 1 DVD, very shallow and muddy understanding of what I thought I knew. Review by Shri Pradeep Joshi, Director of Sangeet Dhwani
On the weekend of August 22nd-23rd, the Sunnyvale community thoroughly enjoyed a truly unique and inspirational film that illuminates the essence of Indian classical music. Raga Unveiled, a documentary, received tremendous praise from viewers who had not just one, but two chances to see the film at the Performing Arts Theatre. The 200-seat theatre was full for each screening, and each viewer was mesmerized by the wealth of information, the insights of the interviewees and the dazzling visual displays and cinematography. While many people have been exposed to Indian music, Raga Unveiled is the first work to provide a comprehensive overview of the history and essence of this profound art form. After each screening, the producer/director of the film, Gita Desai, answered questions from the audience about the filmmaking process. Hindustan Times Live, Kolkata IN RECENT times, there has not been a documentary film that has tackled such an exhaustive and intricate subject like the history [of] Hindustani music and its exponents. full article Peter Trivelas and Lynn Kaplan, Freelance Television Producers The raison d’etre of this production is the music. Divine and transporting, the performances of Raga reveal the profundity of the Veda for all to experience first hand. Such a rare treat! Along with the music, the rest of the film describes in fascinating detail the parts of the whole that come together as Raga. Ms. Desai clearly did her research. She beautifully describes the instruments, the roots, the philosophy and the structure of ancient Vedic tradition which is the basis of not only Raga but of life in general. Set against the backdrop of colorful India, this film is a feast for both eyes and ears. Larry Payne Ph.D.
Founding President, International Association of Yoga Therapists Raga Unveiled is a unique and timeless masterpiece. Gita Desai has produced the ultimate, contemporary, guide to India's rich and unparalleled relationship between sound and the deepest levels of the soul. Gisela Litchgarn, Farmington, CT For those like us, who love India, its ancient culture, its depth of understanding human nature, its beauty and wisdom, Raga Unveiled is a most welcome film! While the West has much to offer the East, the same is true in reverse. How much the East has to offer the West is well illustrated in this colorful, subtle and beautiful presentation! MORE Nutan Mehta, Avon, CT
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