final exam essays

A general outline of different types of music, musical ensembles and instruments in India

• Unique percussion instruments like sitar and the tabla

• Adapted foreign instruments such as the violin, harmonium, clarinet, banjo, electric mandolin, guitar, and keyboard

• Classsical music styles such as Hindustani and Carnatic music

• Contemporary music

  • Eclectic mix including harmony and counterpoint, rap, rock, jazz, and traditional Indian styles

• Film music

  • Oriental scales

  • Latin rhythms

  • Mix of western and Indian instruments

  • Characterized by “if it sounds good, use it” approach

Learning classical music in India

• Two main classical music systems are Hindustani and carnatic

• compositions are taught and learned orally and not precisely notated

• Students are expected to follow the gurus exact version of a song

• Many variant versions appear due to songs being passed down by gurus

• Musicians know the sing text well even though words of the song are not audible in an instrumental performance

Modernization and contemporary influences in music in India (and as discussed elswhere in Asia)

• Indian music is absorbing new global influences while maintaining traditional roots

• Mutual influences between India and the west are increasing through media channels like the tv, radio, and cds

• Indo pop styles like Bhangra have emerged and integrated into mainstream culture

• Foreign musical instruments have been “indianized” like the electronic mandolin, guitar, and keyboard

• South Indian musicians have recognized connections between jazz improvisation and classical Indian music traditions

• Cultural clubs and religious institutions support classical Indian music and dance presentations

• Immigrant communities continue to generate ad influence musical trends particularly in places like Great Britain

Performance if a South Indian Kriti: Structure or form, performance technique, text sources and characteristics, means of performance (ensembles, instruments, etc)

A kriti can be anywhere from 4 minutes to 15 minutes

Performance structure is highly adaptable

Musicicians can preform improvisations before, within, or after the composed song

Kalapana swaras occurs in the latter part of the kriti or after the completion. Involves improvising notes within the ragas scale and always returns to a key phrase from the OG kriti

Preormance varies while core composition remains recognizable

Lyrics and main phrases stay consistent

Specific preformance varies across different artists and generations