Music of India
Khayal, meaning “imagination” in Arabic, is one of the most prominent and dynamic forms of Hindustani classical music. Known for its expressive and improvisational nature, Khayal has evolved over centuries to become a versatile and sophisticated genre, allowing artists to explore a wide range of emotions and musical ideas. This
Music of India
The concept of gharanas is a cornerstone of Indian classical music, embodying the preservation and transmission of musical heritage through generations. Originating from the Sanskrit word “Griha,” meaning house, a gharana represents a distinct school or lineage of music, characterized by a unique style, philosophy, and repertoire. These schools of
Music of India
Indian classical music, a vast and intricate field, is primarily divided into two major traditions: Hindustani classical music, which is prevalent in the northern regions of India, and Carnatic classical music, which is predominant in the southern states. Both traditions share a common origin and certain foundational principles, yet they
Music of India
“The melodic character of Indian music and the harmonic character of Western music are like oil and water. They will not mix…Nor should there be any fear that one will harm the other.” — Sitar maestro Ravi Shankar, 1967, The Life and Music of Ravi Shankar, Oliver Craske — Sitar maestro
Music of India
Hindustani classical music, often referred to simply as Hindustani music, is one of the two major traditions of Indian classical music, the other being Carnatic music, which is primarily associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent. Hindustani music is rooted in the northern regions of India and has
Music of India
Culture unites. It defines. It is diffusive. And it can be different. Yet, in these differences lie unity, and a shared cultural experience. Today, in the 21st century, as the global village becomes increasingly aware, and gets ready to face significant global threats together, it is imperative that cultural heterogeneity
Music of India
I. The importance of the emotional content in Indian Classical Music As any aficionado of this artistic tradition knows, the emotional factor is crucial to Indian classical music. So much so that it is often said in India that “if a performer fails to communicate emotionally with his/her audience,
Music of India
I’m sure I’m not the only one drawn to a wide palette of music, with Spotify, Apple Music, and others enabling us to indulge in our musical tastes, experimentations, and voyages. Our mini sonic labs allow us countless ways to treat and create our internal and external contexts,
Music of India
The tabla is a percussion instrument that has been an integral part of Indian classical music for centuries. It is a set of two drums played by hand, producing a range of unique sounds that add rhythm and character to the music. The larger of the two drums, known as
Music of India
Imagine the scent of rain seeping through the soil and the red earth, permeating the lush green valleys and resonating through every heart craving the unadulterated romance of the first shower! Now imagine a peacock darting through the freshly watered woods—it is a young boy, but in that moment,
Music of India
For spiritual elevation and as an aid to communion with God, music plays a special role in almost all the religions of the world. It is intimately related to the heart of man and has little to do with his reasoning mind. The devotee of the music, that is evocative
Music of India
What is Indian classical music? A typical answer will mention ragas, talas, sitars, tablas, and now konnakol: as the most clearly heard components, they have become musical shorthand for India. However, like all labels, it carries the seeds of its own destruction – and I will now attempt to find them,