Indian classical music mostly consists of Vedic, Persian, and folk music and has evolved via a cultural synthesis of several musical streams from Dhrupad to Ghazal. Melange, as the name indicates, is an eclectic mix of musical styles that contribute to India's rich musical heritage. We thought we'd provide some background information and intriguing facts about Indian classical and semi-classical music to whet your appetite for what is likely to be a great evening.
The Samaveda, a lengthy Sanskrit treatise published circa 1700 BC that discusses music in detail, is the source of Indian classical music. Dhrupad, which has its roots in this literature and is one of the oldest forms of Indian classical music still performed today, is based on this text. An extended, meter-based improvisation of a raga is the hallmark of a dhrupad performance, which is then followed by a condensed bandish or melodic composition. Dhrupad, which was first sung mostly in temples, gained popularity through the 16th century AD, thanks in large part to the support of the Rajput and Mughal monarchs. Emperor Akbar is among the most well-known of these kings. Listen to the Versatile Singer in India now!
A musician in his court named Miyan Tansen is frequently referred to as the originator of Hindustani, or North Indian, classical music. From Dhrupad, a new, more supple and adaptable classical music form known as Khayal emerged about the 17th century AD. In contrast to Dhrupad, a khayal performance often starts with a shorter improvisation than that of Dhrupad, followed by a sluggish bandish and, further, rapid improvisation known as taans. Khayal became more popular among artists than Dhrupad primarily because of its openness and room for more improvisation. The most popular type of contemporary Hindustani classical music is khayal.
Around 1500–1600 AD, North Indian folk music gave rise to thumri, which became more well-liked at the court of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh during the 19th century. Thumris, which typically love stories, is written in certain ragas (scales) with light or romantic tones and put to straightforward taals (rhythm patterns), frequently with a leisurely tempo. The art genre has been accepted and performed by several notable figures in Indian classical music, including Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Gauhar Jan, Begum Akhtar, Shobha Gurtu, and Noor Jahan.
Dadra began and became famous about the same time as thumri and resembles it in many respects. Dadra's lyrics are likewise about love, same as thumri's. Dadras, on the other hand, are frequently shorter and quicker in pace than thumris, and they are supposed to provide the performer with greater creative license.
Folk melodies performed by camel riders in the Punjab and Sindh areas of present-day Pakistan gave rise to tappa in the 18th century AD. The hallmark of tappa is quick, erratically spaced taans, with brief melodies and lyrics that are typically written in Punjabi about love (improvised, rhythmic passages). Pandita Malini Rajurkar is among the current musicians who promoted this style. At the same time, many notable traditional vocalists such as Raja Bhaiya Poonchwale, Girjadevi Pandit, and Krishnarao Shankar Pandit have also adopted and performed it.
In the fourteenth century, the great poet Amir Khusro is credited with creating and popularizing Tarana, a hybrid of Persian and Indian music. It is now commonly sung throughout India, particularly as a background to Indian classical dance styles like Kathak and Bharata Natyam. Fast and extended taans, or improvisations, are common in taranas. Though history has it that they originated from the Persian language, their lyrics occasionally mirror the sounds of instruments like the sitar and tabla and are unknown in terms of meaning.
The word "bhajan," which means "to provide service," is derived from the Sanskrit word "bhaj," and these songs usually speak of a saint's dedication to the object of his or her religion. Bhajans are well-known songs that are performed all throughout India and were penned by several saints and poets. Visit Sandeep Bansal's website to listen to one of India's Best Soulful Singer in India.
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