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The sounds of India are warm and earthy...just like the people. We are a gregarious lot and our music echoes the multiplicity that is India. The same diversity can be found in the various genres of music in this country. Classical music, the beats of Bhangra, the strains of Sufi music, Indo-jazz, Pop and Folk music---there’s something for everyone.
1). CLASSICALLY YOUR
Indian classical music can be divided into two main types: North Indian or Hindustani classical music and South Indian or Carnatic music. Both systems use voice and instruments. Classical Indian music often sounds odd to a new
listener. Some of the keys that the music is played in are very different from European classical music. There are certain notes that do not exist in European music; they are "in between". Indian music is not based on harmony, chords, or counterpoint. Instead, it uses combinations of melody and rhythm within musical structures called "Ragas". A musician improvises around this set structure as reflected in the various schools of classical tradition known as “Gharanas”.
LET'S TUNE IN TO THE BASICS...
"Raag" is a fundamental part of Indian music. It literally means "color" and sets the mood of the piece by defining the notes to be used within it. A“Raag” is a pattern of scales and the associated sounds between the main notes. There are about 200 main “Raags” and around 6,000 in total, each corresponding to a color, a season, hour, or mood. Each “Raag” has its own principle note, dominant note, and a cluster of notes that provide it its identity. “Taal” is the rhythm cycle of a “Raag”. “Taal” can range from 3 beats to 108 beats. The division of the beat within the “Taal” and the emphasized beats provide the pulse of the music. In Indian music, even if two “Taal” carry the same number of beats, they are separated because of the different accents or divisions within each one.
INSTRUMENTS OF DESIRE...
Any vocal rendition is usually accompanied by a number of instruments. With time these accompanying instruments have evolved and now have a separate identity.
The “Sarangi” is mostly used in northern India. It is played with a bow, but does not have frets like a violin or cello. The North Indian flute, or “Bansuri”, is usually made of bamboo. It has six or seven holes that are covered to produce different sounds. Down South, the flute is called a “Venu”, and has eight holes.
“Tabla” is a set of two small drums. It's played with the fingers and wrists of both hands. The right drum is smaller and has a higher pitch than the left. However, the left often has more color and sweeps of sound. The drums are about 25 centimeters tall and made of goat skin. The skin is stretched so that the sound is different on different parts of the instrument. The base of a “Tabla” is wider than the top and has a range of 2 octaves.
The “Harmonium” came to India from Europe in the 19th century. It is a type of organ with a hand pump. It is mostly wood, and can play many notes much as a western organ.
2). FUSION FEVER
The popularity of a musical tradition can be gauged from the way it can be infused, modified and adapted by music lovers across genres and musical sensibilities. Indian music is making waves globally---on its own and through fusion.
“Mohanaveena”, a blend of Veena-Sitar-and Guitar is Pandit Vishwamohan Bhatt's creation. Bhatt is a Grammy Award winner and the inventor of the “Mohan Veena”. He has enthralled listeners by his intrinsic creativity. |
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