Lesson 1: Music of India

Introduction

• India is a country in South Asia.
  • Second most populous country.
  • Seventh largest by land area.
  • Most populous democracy.
• Capital: New Delhi.
• Languages: Hindi and English.
• Music reflects cultural aspects through timbre, rhythm, melody, texture, form, style.
• Music is fundamental for spiritual joy, inspiration, cultural expression, entertainment.

Vocal Music

• Classical Music Traditions:
  • Carnatic Music:
    • From South India, associated with Hindu gods (temple music).
    • Unified by same ragas, solo instruments, rhythm instruments.
    • Pieces mainly set for voice with lyrics, include devotional songs (Prithi).
  • Hindustani Music:
    • Dates back to Vedic period (~1000 BC), developed with Persian influences (13th - 14th centuries).
    • Influences: ancient Hindu traditions, Vedic religion/philosophy, Mughal era.
    • Nasal singing common, style known as Kyal (means imagination).
• Melismatic Singing:
  • Common in Indian vocal music with nasal quality.
  • Samagana singing popular in Vedic times.
  • Sama Veda hymns sung as Samagana, significant in Hinduism.
  • Rig Veda: sacred Vedic Sanskrit hymns, still recited in religious functions.

Instrumental Music

• Instruments used in North (Hindustani) and South (Carnatic) Indian music.
• Instrumental styles can mirror vocal music with distinctive differences.

Classification of Musical Instruments

1. Gan: Non-membranous percussive, solid resonators (e.g., Gautam, Pharta).
2. Avanad: Membranous percussive (drums like Dove, doll, tabla).
3. Sushir: Blown air instruments (e.g., Bansuri, Shenai).
4. Tat: String instruments (e.g., sitar, gotubadyam).
5. Pitat: Bowed string instruments (e.g., Banam, Esraj).

Rhythm

• Fundamental to Indian music creation.
• Historical precedence of rhythm over melody.
• Tala:
  • Meaning "clap," is a rhythmic phrase.
  • Rendered on percussive instruments, sequences known as teka.
  • Both Hindustani and Carnatic music use complex rhythmic patterns.
• Instruments for Rhythm:
  • Tabla: Common in Hindustani music.
  • Mridangam: Common in Carnatic music.

Summary

• Two main traditions: Carnatic (Southern) and Hindustani (Northern) music.
• Rig Veda: Ancient sacred hymns in Vedic Sanskrit.
• Tala is the core rhythm system in Indian music.
• Five non-traditional instrument classifications: Gan, Avanad, Sushir, Tat, Pitat.

Thank you and God bless.