Understanding Indian Classical Music - Essay Example

The Guru (teacher), Shishya (student), and Parampara (tradition) relationship have remained throughout the history of Indian Music (Logan & Subramaniam 1). Rag, the melodic form, and Tal, the rhythmic, constitute the two fundamental bases of Indian Music (Chandrakantha & David Courtney). Indian Classical Music has been primarily classified into South Indian Music called Carnatic and North Indian Music called Hindustani. Hindustani Music underwent a lot of transformations due to external influences, particularly during the Muslim invasions. Carnatic on the other hand remained unaffected and developed consistently throughout.

Carnatic Music
Carnatic music took its form from the ancient traditions of South India especially Tamil Nadu. The Yajurveda, one of the chief parts of the Vedas reveals sacrificial formulae advocating the ‘veena’ as a significant musical instrument. Important musical forms are Gitam, Swarajat, Jatiswaram, Varnams, and Kriti which again comprise Ragam, Tanam, and Pallavi (Logan & Subramaniam 1). The period of Indian Music has been classified as the Ancient Period (4000 B.C. – 400 A.D.), Medieval Period (400 A.D. – 1600 A.D.), and Modern Period (1600 A.D. - present) (Logan & Subramaniam 1). Bharata created the Natyasastra on Treatise on the Dramatic Arts during the Ancient Period (“Indian Music”). Since its composition, this masterpiece has thoroughly contributed to the growth of Indian Music. Another exclusive piece of expertise was Brhaddesi put forward by Matanga during the same era (“Indian Music”). During the Medieval Period, Sarngadeva showed his brilliance through the all-time famous Sangitaratnakara (“Indian Music”). Names of some important musicians of the Modern Period are worth mentioning:

Muthuswamy Dikshitar (Logan & Subramaniam 1)
Dikshitar was the creator of 300 compositions in Sanskrit. His incredible knowledge of astrology can be realized in his masterpiece, Navagraha kritis in praise of the nine planets. A great scholar with all-around knowledge, Dikshitar used to sing prayers of Deities.

L. Subramanium: India’s Violin Icon (Press Trust of India)
Subramanium is today India’s one of the shining stars of Carnatic music who has amazed the world audience by playing Indian classical music on a fundamentally western instrument – the violin. The performer of both Carnatic and Western classical music Subramanium experiences ‘real joy’ in playing Carnatic music. His recent participation in the annual SPIC-MACAY festival for the youth has been much appreciated. His recordings include legends like Menuhin, Stephane Grappelli, Ruggiero Ricci, and lots more.
Some of the important musical instruments of Carnatic music are Veena, Violin, Flute, Ottu, Tambura, etc (Logan & Subramaniam 2).
Hindustani Music (“Indian Music”)

North Indian music underwent a lot of transformations due to external influences during the Islamic occurrence. Amir Khusro in particular is considered to be the hero of North Indian classical music of that era. Hindustani music flourished by leaps and bounds under the patronage of the Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar. Tansen, Baiju Bawra, Ramdas, and many others dedicated their lives to music. Now, the songs were not only composed in Sanskrit but also innumerable Hindi dialects like Braj Bhasa, Bhojpuri, Persian, and Urdu. The era also marked the evolution of devotional songs called Bhajans in different vernacular languages sung by immortal poet-saints like Surdas, Tulsidas, Kabir, and Mirabai. It has developed from the assimilations of traditions of Hindu music, values of the Vedas, and Persian practices of the Mughals (“Music of India”).
The Hidustani music depends upon Thaats, a system of 10 parent scales known comprising Kalyan, Bilawal, Khamaj, Bhairav, Kafi, Poorvi, Bahairavi, Asavari, Marwa, and Todi (Logan & Subramaniam 4). Some of the important musical instruments of North India are Sitar, Tabla and Pakhawaj, Sarod, Flute, Sarangi, Shehnai, etc (Logan & Subramaniam 5). Names of some important Hindustani classical musicians are:
Ravi Shankar (“Indian Music”)
The great Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar has promoted Indian classical music to new heights. His performance in the Beatles’ album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is outstanding. His joint effort with Ali Akbar Khan, the famous Sarod artist, and Satyajit Ray, the renounced film producer brought the music of India into the limelight. His recent tie-ups with American composer, Philip Glass, on Passages and Yehudi Menuhin ensure a dazzling fusion of Indian and Western music around the globe.

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan has made Indian classical music proud for his expertise in playing Sarod. This music maestro has added new dimensions to the instrumental music of India.
Apart from the traditional classical music, the present music system of India proudly stands as the platform for diverse forms of music such as Bhajans mainly sung by Anuradha Paudwal, Ghazalsby Jagjit Singh and Anup Jalota, Indipop by Alisha Chinai and Shaan, Patriotic by Lata Mangeshkar, Qawwali by late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Remix by Asha Bhosle, and others (“Music of India”). Indian Folk music is chiefly based upon the different regions of the country such as Malawi, Punjabi (Bhangra), Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, Himachali, Gujrati (Dandiya), etc (“Beat of India”). From all the above discussions it is evident that today's Indian music system encompasses a vivid range of melodious music ensuring to thrill audiences of all ages and boundaries.