A haunting, experimental soundtrack from 1973
Ravi Shankar’s Transmigration Macabre is a 1973 LP originally recorded as the soundtrack for the British film Viola. It stands out as one of Shankar’s most unusual and atmospheric works—far darker and more avant‑garde than his classical ragas or his more familiar East–West fusion projects.
The album explores themes of death, madness, anxiety, and psychological tension. It blends:
Sitar (performed by Shankar himself)
Tabla by Alla Rakha
Tambura by Kamala Chakravarti
Les Structures Sonores — metallic, resonant sculptural instruments that create eerie, otherworldly textures
The result is a soundscape that feels ritualistic, cinematic, and unsettling—perfectly aligned with the film’s macabre tone.
Side A moves from Death to Reflection, while Side B intensifies with pieces like Madness, Anxiety, and Torment. Most tracks are short, impressionistic, and mood‑driven rather than melodic.
Label: Spark (SPA 06)
Country: US (original release)
Year: 1973 (recorded 1971)
Issued in multiple international pressings, including UK, Brazil, Germany, and Australia
One of Shankar’s rarest and most experimental LPs
A unique blend of Indian classical instrumentation and avant‑garde sound sculpture
Sought after by soundtrack collectors, psych‑folk fans, and Shankar completists