Chinmaya Dunster creates a sonic space where the ancient traditions of India meet the pastoral warmth of the British Isles. The music is anchored by the sarod, a fretless string instrument with a deep, metallic resonance that seems to vibrate within the listener's chest. It is supported by acoustic guitars, flutes, and light percussion that never intrudes, creating a tapestry that is both grounded and airborne.
What makes this work distinctive is the 'Celtic Ragas' approach. Rather than a superficial fusion, Dunster uses his fifteen years of Indian classical training to apply raga structures to melodies that feel strangely familiar to Western ears. The result is a hybrid that avoids the clichés of New Age music by maintaining a high level of technical proficiency and structural integrity.
Start with 'Buddha Moon' for a quintessential look at his meditative side, or 'Celtic Ragas' to hear the specific interplay between the sarod and folk instrumentation. It is music designed for the 'inner world of silence,' making it an ideal companion for any practice that requires focus, breath, or stillness.
Chinmaya Dunster (1954 in Kent, England – 1 March 2025) was a sarod player whose compositions incorporate elements of Celtic and Hindustani music. He is an active environmentalist and performs concerts to foster awareness for saving ecosystems and wildlife. Dunster has released over twenty CDs since 1990.
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