CLASSICAL INDIAN MUSIC
The subject of classical Indian music is rich, with its historical, cultural, aesthetic, theoretical, and performing facets.
Indian Classical and Western Classical music are the only two forms of classical music in the world.
Classical Indian music is a function of rhythm and melody while the western form is a function of harmony and melody.
The Indian musician performs solo with an artiste keeping the rhythm (tabla or ghatam player) and an artiste setting the tone ( tanpura ) accompanying him. Harmony enters western classical music as an important element due to the need to co-ordinate a forty to hundred piece orchestra.
Within India there are two schools of classical music - the Hindustani Classical music of North India and the Carnatic Music from South India. Both are rich with Carnatic music largely devoted to religion, while Hindustani explores many other facets of life.
Other forms of music that are very popular is the music from films which is unique to Indian films. All films in India have songs in them, unlike most other movies round the world. Good music in a film is usually a guarantee of a "hit film". Extremely popular with many travellers, one can hear it in buses,tea shops or a good shortwave radio.
Music based on religion is in the form of bhajans ( devotional songs) , aratis - prayers to Gods and vedic chants set to music. Most music of this type is very uplifting and relaxing. It is also one of the fastest growing segments of music in India as the modern industrial lifestyle office worker in India rediscovers the strength in this form of music.
Folk music in India is rich and diverse. It covers all the aspects of life - death, birth, marriage, harvest, full moon nights among other things. In local languages, it is still very enjoyable for the feelings and mood it conveys.
CLASSSICAL INDIAN MUSIC IS VERY POWERFUL - THE LEGENDARY ,PANDIT SHIVKUMAR SHARMA SAYS - "SAY NO TO DRUGS, SAY YES TO MUSIC".
The Raag
Raag, in the Sanskrit dictionary, is defined as "the act of coloring or dyeing" (the mind in this context) and "any feeling or passion especially love, affection, sympathy, vehement desire, interest, joy, or delight". In music, these descriptions apply to the impressions of melodic sounds on both the artist(s) and listener(s). A raag consists of required and optional rules governing the melodic movements of notes within a performance.
Raagas are based on the time of the day and on seasons. Raagas have been composed to appease the rain Gods and legend has it that Tansenone of the jewels in King Akbar's court invoked rain with his music. Many raagas are used extensively in music therapy for the stressed out individual.
OTHER WEBSITES
www.sarod.com The website of the legendary Amjad Ali Khan , the sarod maestro - it will tell you more about classical music as he interprets it and sarod in particular.
www.santoor.com The website of the legendary Shiv Kumar Sharma , the santoor maestro - it will tell you more about classical music as he interprets it, the nature of a performance in a concert hall and santoor in particular.
www.itc-sra.com This portal takes you through a comprehensive look at classical indian music - its origin and history.
www.musicindiaonline.com This website plays Indian music over the Internet using Real Player and it is free.
www.music-today.com This is the website of one of the most respected labels in India , Music Today. You can order tapes and cd’s from here.
www.raaga.com - This website is popular for the rich variety of Indian film music that is available for listening over the Internet - try the top ten to make a start ! But do make a start.
Sites with general information:
To Indian music videos and tutorials >>>
To on-line Sitar tutorial pages >>>