Here is a unique book that brings together in one volume the twin systems of North and South Indian classical music. With a broad sweep it illuminates all the important aspects of Indian classical music. It looks at a traditional art form that has evolved over the last 2000 years and is still brimming with vitality today. This book offers a valuable perspective on Indian classical music, its aesthetic values and philosophy.
Sampradaya Sangita investigates the basic principles underlying nada, raga, laya, creative extemporization and compositions.
Classical music uses sound and time on the canvas of space. So this art is extremely subtle. Time is designed by percussion patterns in a symmetrical manner. In raga alapana, time has an asymmetric rhythm.
What is Raga music and how has it evolved into today's musical forms? You will find the answer within these pages. Raga and Tala are the ground of Indian classical music for the twin systems of Karnatak and Hindustani music. The chapter on Laya (rhythm) explains its integral part in music and how it differs from tala, which is calculated frame for a song.
Pre-composed music in the form of Bandish and Krti is described in detail followed by brief biographies of maestros. The last chapter touches upon Sangita Sastra (theory and history of music), Gurukula (ancient teaching methods) and modern institutions, concert music, and the essential qualities of classical music.
The moorings of Indian classical music are in ancient culture. This book sees it as a river beginning in the distant past that flows in today's time and space reflecting contemporary attitudes. This book satisfies the professional musician, the scholar as well as the lay person.
It is full of technical details of this complex art. At the same time, it is attractive with its colour plates and profuse biographical sketches. |
