Music of India
Derived from the Sanskrit word “alankara,” meaning ornament or decoration, alankar represents a fundamental aspect of Indian classical music. It encompasses any pattern of musical decoration created by musicians within or across tones, serving to enhance the beauty and expressiveness of a composition. From fluid meends to rapid murkis, alankar
Music of India
Mohiniyattam, a captivating classical dance form, finds its origins deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. At the heart of its narrative lies the story of Mohini, the mesmerizing female avatar of Lord Vishnu, the preserver in Hindu cosmology. According to ancient texts and legends, Mohini emerges during a celestial battle between
Music of India
Thumri, a quintessential genre of Indian music, beckons listeners into a realm where poetry, melody, and emotion intertwine to create a captivating tapestry of sound. Derived from the Hindi verb “thumuknaa,” meaning “to walk with a dancing gait,” thumri embodies a unique vocal style that resonates with the rich cultural
News
Seiji Ozawa, the illustrious Japanese conductor celebrated for his advocacy of modern composers and extensive work with prestigious orchestras worldwide, including the San Francisco Symphony, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Vienna State Opera, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where he served as music director for a remarkable 29 years, has
Music of India
During the 66th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 4, Zakir Hussain, along with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, graciously accepted the “Global Music Performance” award for their outstanding contribution to the composition “Pashto.” The duo also secured another victory for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
Music of India
The musical heritage of the Indian subcontinent is traditionally categorized into two major classical traditions: Hindustani music from North India and Carnatic music from South India. However, various regions within India boast unique musical traditions independent of these classical forms. Both Hindustani and Carnatic music rely on the framework of
Interviews
Chinese Pipa Master Gao Hong and Flamenco guitarist Ignacio Lusardi Monteverde announce their upcoming album “Alondra,” releasing globally on February 23rd, 2024. Inspired by the Skylark’s intricate melodies, this unique musical journey intertwines Pipa and Flamenco, transcending cultural boundaries. The duo’s first single, “Skylark Calls,” mirrors the bird’
Music of India
Mian Tansen, born as Ramtanu Pandey in the late 15th century, stands as a legendary figure in the realm of Hindustani Classical Music. Renowned as the ‘Sangeet Samrat’ or ‘Monarch of Hindustani Music,’ his life, spanning nearly a century, is a tale of musical brilliance, royal patronage, and a cultural
Know Your Composer
Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich was born on September 25, 1906, in St. Petersburg, Russia, a city immersed in the cultural and intellectual fervor of the time. Growing up in a family with a deep appreciation for music, young Dmitri showed an early proclivity for the art form. His mother, a pianist,
Music of India
Renowned sitar virtuoso, composer, and nine-time Grammy nominee, Anoushka Shankar, is set to enrapture audiences across India with her transcendent music as part of her global tour. The daughter of the legendary sitar maestro, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Anoushka will showcase fresh compositions from her latest mini-album, Chapter I: Forever, For
Music of India
In the rich fabric of Indian religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, one encounters the enchanting figure of the Gandharva. Rooted in celestial realms, the Gandharvas are esteemed beings revered for their diverse roles and influences across different spiritual domains. Defining the Gandharva The term ‘Gandharva,’ derived from Sanskrit meaning
Interviews
Maria Forsström, a versatile Mezzo-Soprano, initially studied church music, piano, and conducting before transitioning to singing at 33. Her performances span from Baroque to late Romanticism, collaborating with global orchestras and conductors like Christoph Eschenbach. Maria’s accolades include a prestigious 1st prize at the Varazdin Baroque Festival and appearances
