The mandolin is not usually thought of as a suitable Instrument for Indian classical music, but it has been played in light-classical and film ensembles for more than seventy years. Just as the Santur, Guitar, and even the Flute and Shahnai have made their way into the mainstream of the Hindustani tradition, occasional western instruments are being recruited to take their place in the tradition. The mandolin is tuned down in pitch on this recording, and the playing of Snehashis Mazumder is quite astounding in speed and variety—he often uses a classical approach in structuring his virtuosic tans.
