Music of India
The plain white tag around the neck of the tanpura says simply: 1890, Miraj, Ustad Abdul Karim Khan. Around it, many more tanpuras stand tall, perched on their protuberant bases like awkward sentinels of sound. Their tags tell their respective origin stories – their scale, celebrated owners, faceless craftsmen with single
Music of India
Ragas are the soul of Indian classical music, each possessing its own distinctive character, mood, and tonal framework. Comprising a set of ascending and descending musical notes, ragas dictate the melodic structure and improvisational framework for musicians. Rooted in ancient scriptures and passed down through generations via oral tradition, ragas
Music of India
In the realm of North Indian classical music, there exists an instrument that holds a special place, not only for its melodious tones but also for its cultural significance and emotive power. The Shehnai, with its hauntingly beautiful sound, has captivated audiences for centuries, weaving its magic in ceremonial and
Music of India
Indian classical music stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent, characterized by its intricate melodies, complex rhythms, and deep spiritual significance. Within this expansive landscape, two primary classical music traditions have flourished: Hindustani and Carnatic music. Despite sharing common roots, these traditions have evolved
Music of India
The sour golugu berries/And shark fish and mullet/When I eat the fish you appear in my dreams/My dark and handsome sweetheart/You bring such a good catch. In 1938, a delightfully piquant Telugu folk song, titled Golakondoyi, made its debut on All India Radio, and as we
Music of India
Hindustani classical music, with its intricate melodies and emotive expressions, has been shaped over centuries by the diverse cultural and regional influences of the Indian subcontinent. At the heart of this musical tradition lies the concept of gharana, or musical lineage, which serves as a repository of knowledge, technique, and
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
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
A tiny one-bedroom flat tucked into a quieter lane of Chennai’s Mandavelli neighbourhood is something of a pilgrimage destination for Carnatic violin students. This is where, overseen by images of dozens of deities, A Kanyakumari, 71, has taught some of the brightest young talent on the concert circuit today.
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