Raga: Hema-Bihag / Malaya Marutam / Mishra-Mand

Released in 1963 on the His Master's Voice label, this LP captures Ravi Shankar at the height of his international influence, during a period when he was actively bridging the gap between classical Hindustani traditions and Western audiences. The recording features specific ragas—Hema-Bihag, Malaya Marutam, and Mishra-Mand—which were carefully curated to showcase the improvisational depth of the sitar and the rhythmic intricacies of the tabla. This era represented a critical transition point for Indian classical music, moving from regional devotionals to a global concert stage.

The design of EALP 1273 reflects the minimalist aesthetic typical of mid-century HMV Indian pressings, focusing on the cultural gravity of the artist. The record was produced during a time when Shankar was beginning his long-term collaboration with figures like Yehudi Menuhin, helping to establish the raga as a formal structure that could be appreciated by listeners outside the Indian subcontinent. It was received as a definitive pedagogical and performance document, intended to preserve the integrity of the ragas while introducing them to an evolving global listener base.