Legend's tribute to his nation

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Sadly we pass over the dramatic South Indian violin playing of L Subramaniam and the intense vocals of Kishori Amonkar, because the highlight came at the close with India's most famous musician - Ravi Shankar, who was already performing before the Republic was declared in 1947.

When he entered, after an animated introductory set by his daughter Anoushka with flute player Ravichandra Kulur, the hall, full to capacity, rose to its feet. Shankar sat not on the floor, but on a small dais to ease the strain on his legs. He took the sitar and played a slow, seductively introspective melody and gently rocked the instrument to get delicate inflections, seeming fragile, but at ease.

He then moved into a much more speedy and mischievous 15-beat composition and finally into a dramatic and playful sequence that suddenly evoked the fiery playing of his youth. It was as if he was gaining strength and energy from the sitar itself, and from his left came a melodic lyricism from his sylph-like daughter and from his right came a rhythmic power from his tabla player Tanmoy Bose. There was no mistake, we had seen a legend in action.

From Raj To The Republic
Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre
The South Bank Centre,Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX