Gerald Levinson

Ragamalika

Ragamalika (meaning 'garland of ragas') is a virtuosic practice in North Indian classical music; reflected most directly in the second of these pieces. The soloist departs from one principal raga (melodic mode) and whirls through a series of others. An influence of Balinese gamelan may be heard as well in the bell-like resonances and flowing textures of the first and fourth pieces; while the third; a study in opposed sonorities; is an homage to Debussy. The work was commissioned by pianist Marcantonio Barone; who has recorded Ragamalika on the Albany label.