Talvin Singh’s Bombay Talkies

Influential percussionist Talvin Singh led a lineup of talented musicians to provide a soundtrack to two classic Indian films: Raja Harishchandra by Dadasaheb Phalke and Devi by Satyajit Ray. The music was superb, with Singh’s varied techniques of tapping, gongs and shuffling rhythms was beguiling. Roopa Panesar’s sitar playing was truly beautiful, showing a more subtle, delicately melodic side to the instrument than the energetic playing we are accustomed to hearing. The lack of subtitles was a hindrance for the Devi screening however, resulting in a strange middle ground between gig and screening where one couldn’t follow the narrative properly. The visuals were stunning however, and the performance was well received by the large crowd at the Dome.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 7 May 2014

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