These thoughts brought to mind how Pandit Jasraj once told me that Swara or Rag (melody) is the Mother, Laya or Tal (rhythm) is the Father, and together they make Music. This is an ancient and enduring Indian concept related to the feminine principle of Shakti awakening the male principle of Shiva creating Life. My initial interest in Indian classical music was purely musical, including a fascination with concepts of melody, rhythm and form. Most elusive of all their musical elements was expression.

Sagarmatha may be the composition of mine most directly inspired by Pandit Jasraj.

- Michael Robinson, October 2017, Los Angeles

© 2017 Michael Robinson All rights reserved

Michael Robinson is a Los Angeles-based composer and musicologist.