The style, sound texture, form and rhythms are so different that one has to approach this music with different ears and be prepared to be taken on a mesmerising sonic journey. Vocalist Viraj Salvi, with harmonium and tabla (drum) accompaniment by Prasad Karve and Pandurang Torvi, presented a program of North Indian ragas and bhajans covering secular and spiritual themes.

The complex rhythms and melodic structures of this music may differ from western music but the sense of development and drama is a similar human experience. The Raag starts without the tabla, thus setting the spiritual, contemplative mood. The tension builds when the tabla enters and later the tempo increases. The improvisatory character within clear guidelines gives the performers scope to create individual performances.

The three musicians, with pre-recorded important string drones, performed seamlessly for over two hours, which is much shorter than in traditional performances in India. With deceptive simplicity the mood of each raag was established, then developed. While not living in this music culture, it was easy to enjoy its sounds and appreciate the spirituality and virtuosity of the outcome.