Parvat

Symphony-like in structure with three movements, Parvat is an articulation of Norwegian violinist Harpreet Bansal’s musical identity as an exponent of Western and Indian classical music. Opening piece ‘Puria Dunasri’ is a sinister slow burn. Bansal’s violin supplies a sinuous melody that is strengthened by the string section of the Norwegian Radio Orchestra. The orchestra is subsequently unleashed, providing a barrage of countermelodies that clash as if in conflict for sonic supremacy.

After this bold introduction ‘9 ½’ strips things back to the core trio of Bansal plus Vojtěch Procházka on harmonium and Sanskriti Shrestha on tabla. This middle movement showcases the rhythmic complexity of Indian classical music, but avoids any impression of showing off. A lively folk-like melody springs from Bansal’s violin on ‘Bhimpalasi’, Pavat’s rewarding final movement. Credit to arranger Jon Øivind Ness, who blends the disparate musical forces together using well placed tambourine touches and stirring string swells. A call-and-response sequence between violin and harmonium playfully offsets the symphonic grandeur, demonstrating that the orchestra does not dominate but acts as a fourth instrument on this intriguing and original album.