Introduction To Indian Classical Music 101

The system of Indian classical music known as Raga Sangeet can be traced back almost 2k years to its origin in the Vedic hymns of the Hindu churches.

The music is rendered orally to the disciple by his guru, popularly known as guru-shishya ( teacher-student ) parampara ( practice ). The heart of Indian music is the raga, the melodic form on that the artist improvises his performance. A raga is a scientific, accurate, subtle and classy melodic form with its own rising and descending movement composed of either a full seven-note octave or a sequence of 6 or 5 notes. Each raga is identified by its own particular mood. The recognized order of these 9 sentiments, or feelings, is like this : romantic and erotic, funny, pathetic, fury, brave, fearful, disgust, awe and calm. Each raga, as well as being related to a selected mood, is also closely hooked up to a specific time of day or a season of the year. Therefore thru the wealthy tunes and rhythm of Indian music, each human emotion, each delicate feeling in man and nature, can be musically voiced and experienced. Re aesthetics, a raga is the projection of the artist’s inner spirit : a manifestation of his most extreme feelings and sensibilities.

The musician breathes life into each raga as he unfolds and expands it so that each note glistens and palpitates with life and the raga is disclosed colourful and incandescent with beauty.

The tala, or rhythmical cycle of a raga, plays a similarly significant role in expressing the mood. There’s a unique relationship between tune and rhythm. The subtleties outline the complexities and class with which they are woven together. The division in a taal and the strain on the 1st beat, called sum, are the most significant feature. The most enthralling moment for a seasoned listener is when both the musicians, after their individual improvisations, come back together on the sum. Today, Indian classical music is an abiding part of Western culture. Many composers and musicians have been influenced by our music.

Indian music is an example of the highest forms of music existing and nourished thru its rich cultural heritage.