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Posts Tagged ‘Indian’

Indian Classical Singers ? Managed to Hold the Real Sense of Music!

May 16th, 2011

Indian classical music is an art and the Indian classical singers have managed to draw mastery in it. There are different departments related to Indian classical music and getting master in all these departments will require time and dedication. These Indian classical singers have managed to show some real enthusiasm while trying to learn the tricks and specifications related to this topic. India has got a tremendous history for expressing the highest truths through music. If you will look for the last hundred years, then you can find that the wealth of music has now moved for the west successfully, as most of the people prefer to listen or participate in these soothing sessions. There are so many Indian musicians available who got mastery in Indian classical singing. These Indian classical singers are all set to deliver you some of the most soothing musical concerts. There millions of people from all over the in love with this form of music and it becoming more and more popular day by day.

As far as the art of classical singing is concerned, it has been practiced on the Indian soil since ages. Since the age of kings and queens, Indian classical singers have managed to show their talent. As an art, Indian classical singings in not popular as a form of entertainment, but it has long been considered as the most popular form for getting connected with the Divine Power. In fact people in this part of the world use to believe that Indian classical singing is an art through they can connect with God directly while enhancing the level of their spiritualism.

Indian classical singers have long managed to hold such belief up through their amazing voices and approach for this art. There are also Indian classical singers and Indian classical musicians such as Subha Mudgal and Hariharan who have managed to lead the modern days, Indian classical singing. If you will look for the past, then few Indian classical singers’ name will come up who have managed to draw world wide attention towards the Indian classical singing. Some of the leading names for the Indian classical singer have been supplied below who have managed to take Indian classical singing to a new level:

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
Ustad Bismillah Khan
Pandit Kumar Gandharva
M.S Subbulakshmi
Pandit Ravi Shankar

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Family Friendly Thunderbird American Indian Dancers Perform at Adelphi University as Part of Earth Day Celebrations on April 9, 2011

April 30th, 2011

Symphony Space and the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center (AU PAC) present Yah-oh-Weh performed by the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers in celebration of Earth Day on Saturday, April, 9, 2011, at 3:00 p.m. in the Concert Hall, 1 South Avenue, Garden City, NY. Plus, a limited number of children will have the opportunity to work hands-on with the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers to experience the magic of their dancing, drumming, regalia, and native artifacts in a Children’s Workshop at 1:00 p.m. Workshop participants that stay for the performance will have the opportunity to perform on stage at 3:00 PM

Yah-oh-Weh, meaning “it is good” in Hopi, is a mesmerizing performance of athleticism, culture, and the joy of human expression with drumming, songs, exquisite dances, and stunning traditional regalia from the peoples of Alaska, the Northwest Coast, the Southwest, the Northeast, and the Great Plains. Some audience favorites include the Hoop Dance and the interactive Feather Dance, a traditional expression of thanksgiving. The children’s workshop is designed for young and curious minds due to the highly colorful, energetic, and informative performance. Yah-oh-Weh tells amazing stories grounded in man’s relationship to nature and love for the earth. The engaging and unexpected performance will delight kids, parents, and the entire family.

Thunderbird American Indian Dancers was founded in 1963 by Louis Mofsie. The company has been integral to the preservation and perpetuation of American Indian culture through national performances highlighting the traditions of American Indian peoples. Thunderbird specializes in the songs and dances of the tribes of the Northwest Coast, Woodlands (Iroquois and Winnebago), Plains (Sioux) and the Southwest (Hopi and Santa Domingo.) The group sponsors a monthly powwow and has produced an album of songs of native people. Louis Mofsie and his troupe have presented numerous guest lectures and dance appearances at colleges, universities, and schools throughout the nation and regularly at the Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Theater for the New City, Symphony Space, and the National Museum of the American Indian.

Individual tickets for the 3:00 p.m. performance are -. The Children’s Workshop costs . Tickets for both events are on sale now. To learn more about AU PAC’s 2010-2011 season, please visit aupac.adelphi.edu or call the AU PAC Box Office at (516) 877-4000. For more information on Symphony Space, visit www.symphonyspace.org.

About Adelphi University: Adelphi is a world class, modern university with excellent and highly relevant programs where students prepare for lives of active citizenship and professional careers. Through its schools and programs—The College of Arts and Sciences, Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Honors College, Ruth S. Ammon School of Education, University College, and the Schools of Business, Nursing, and Social Work—the co-educational university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as professional and educational programs for adults. Adelphi University currently enrolls nearly 8,000 students from 41 states and 60 foreign countries. With its main campus in Garden City and centers in Manhattan, Hauppauge, and Poughkeepsie, the University chartered in 1896, maintains a commitment to liberal studies in tandem with rigorous professional preparation and active citizenship.

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Introduction To Indian Classical Music 101

April 17th, 2011

The system of Indian classical music known as Raga Sangeet can be traced back nearly two thousand years to its origin in the Vedic hymns of the Hindu temples. Unlike Western classical music which has written scores, an Indian classical performance is based on improvisation, and anywhere from 10% to 90% of the performance could be extempore, depending on the creative imagination of the artist. The music is rendered orally to the disciple by his guru, popularly known as guru-shishya (teacher-student) parampara (tradition).

The very heart of Indian music is the raga, the melodic form upon which the artist improvises his performance. A raga is a scientific, precise, subtle and aesthetic melodic form with its own ascending and descending movement consisting of either a full seven-note octave or a series of six or five notes.

Every raga is characterized by its own particular mood. The acknowledged order of these nine sentiments, or emotions, is as follows: romantic and erotic, humorous, pathetic, anger, heroic, fearful, disgust, amazement and peaceful. Each raga, in addition to being associated with a particular mood, is also closely connected to a particular time of day or a season of the year. Thus through the rich melodies and rhythm of Indian music, every human emotion, every subtle feeling in man and nature, can be musically expressed and experienced.

In terms of aesthetics, a raga is the projection of the artist’s inner spirit: a manifestation of his most profound feelings and sensibilities. The musician breathes life into each raga as he unfolds and expands it so that each note shimmers and pulsates with life and the raga is revealed vibrant and incandescent with beauty.

The tala, or rhythmic cycle of a raga, plays an equally important role in expressing the mood. There is a unique relationship between melody and rhythm. The intricacies depict the complexities and sophistication with which they are woven together. The division in a taal and the stress on the first beat, called sum, are the most important feature. The most exciting 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 a permanent part of Western culture. Many composers and musicians have been influenced by our music. The openness, will to learn, and sincere enthusiasm of Western audiences are a continuing source of inspiration and delight. Indian music is one of the highest forms of music existing and nourished through its rich cultural heritage.

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Indian Classical Musician Sumitra Guha

March 30th, 2011

Sumitra Guha is a renowned name in the Gharana of Classical Music. Her singing uplifts her listener to a better quality of life and living. Her loyal dedication to music reflects in her exclusive concert where audiences too experience the soothing vocal performance.

Sumitra is rightly conditioned in two major schools of Indian Classic music viz. Carnatic and Hindustani. She received her first musical lesson from her mother who infused the spiritual connection in Sumitra through music. She received formal education under the famous vocal maestro S. R. Janakiraman (Sangeetha Vidwan) at the age of 11 years. After that Sumitra never looked back as she was already having skilled grip and mastery over Carnatic vocal. Sumitra was in her way of making mark in this métier by her amazing vocal art.

Sumitra joined Vishwa Bharati University in Shantiniketan to pursue her graduation in Philosophy after having done the pre-university course. It is the ground she found herself inclined to the Classical Hindustani music. It contains the universality of ‘Swaras’, the intensity of ‘Alaap’ and the eventual condensation in the ‘Vistaar’ that affixed her. Under the guidance of Pt. A. Kanan and Vidushi Malavika Kanan she began her learning on Hindustani Classical music in the year of 1964. She was influenced by their style which helped her mould her own unique style of singing. Sumitra was finally trained by Sushil Kumar Bose, the talented disciple of Maestro Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan.

Sumitra came out in the world of professional singing in 1972 when she was a B-Grade artist under the AIR classification. By 1995 she was received with the title ‘Vidushi’ for her excellence in vocal music. Her chain performance with Air in the years 1982, 1985, 1989 and 1990 received her wide acclamations. Sumitra was broadcasted nationwide during four Radio Sangeet Sammelans in 1988 (Mathura), 1994 (Bangalore), 1998 (Mumbai) and 2001 (Raipur). In the year 1985 Sumitra performed her first national performance on Doordarshan. Her first public performance was at the Thirumala temple in Tirupati at the event of Brahmotsav in 1972. Her outstanding performance in the event earned her gold medal and after that she became an eminent name in the Classical Indian music.

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Therapeutic Approach Of Indian Classical Music

March 20th, 2011

The Indian culture and life style is derived from Vedas which are the epic that tells the rules and ways for a prosperous life. They tell the ideas of great values. This is very true that if one let himself abide by the discipline mentioned in Vedas, will reach the ultimate goal of life. His heart will be true abode of everlasting pleasure and he will achieve health with pure mind and so wealth. That is the individual will have all those things which are necessary for a happy life.

Music is one of the greatest disciplines described in Vedas. The classical music has sound positive effect in the universe. There are so many examples that support the view that music possesses enormous energy that can create so many effects on us.

In other words, we can say that nature governs its creation by music . The notes of music are derived from the nature only.

Swara Expansion Meaning Animal Chakra God

Sa Shadja Sagar Peacock muladhara(Anus) Brahman

Re Rishabha Bull/skylark Bull Svadhisthana Agni

Ga Gandhara Gagan Goat manipura Rudra

Ma Madhyama Middle Dove/heron anahata Vishnu

Pa Panchama Fifth Cuckoo/nightingale visuddha (throat) Naarada

Dha Dhaivata Dharti Horse ajna (Third eye) Ganesha

Ni Nishada Outcast/hunter Elephant sahasrara Surya

This shows how music affects the human life in spiritual as well as physical prospects.

The notes, Ragas of classical music also plays a vital role in metabolism of human body, music provides ultimate and true piece to soul and mind. It is commonly known that Yoga affects the physical and mental level of human being and we can say classical music is a kind of yoga. In Vedas seven chakras of body are mentioned that control co-ordinates and stimulate the different functions of body. These chakras refer to different nadis of body and these Nadis get stimulated by yoga as well as by music. The seven notes of classical music influence the 7 chakras. Therefore music has frequently been used as a therapeutic agent from ancient time. Music is a kind of yoga through the medium of well defined system of notes i.e. Ragas which act upon the human organism and awakens and develops their proper function to extent of self realization. This is the ultimate goal of the Hindu philosophy and religion.

Melody is the key note of Indian music. The raga is the basis of melody, various ragas have been found to be very effective in treatment of many diseases.

Music increases the metabolic activities within the human body. It accelerates the respiration, influences the internal secretion, improves the muscular activities and as such affects the central nervous system and circulatory system of listener and performer.

The effect of music on heart and brain of an individual can be seen by electric signals on ECG and EEG. It has been found that few ragas have their positive effect in treatment of few diseases. Few of them are as follows:

Disease Ragas

Madness/Mental disability Rag Bahar, Bageshri

Fit ( Mirgi) Rag Vihag, dhani

Headache Rag Sohani, Todi, Bhairavi

Blood pressure Rag Purvi, Todi, Bhoopal

Hysteria Khamaj, Darabari, Puria

Now music is not the subject of entertainment only. The entire subject is new in the experimental and implementation stage and the ancient system is gradually being transformed in to modern science.

It has been observed that ragas of Indian classical music have healing effects. They stimulate brain, give relax in stress and remove fatigue. The effect of music thereby depends upon some factors like the mental condition of the person, environment and the type of music and of course the selection of Raga .Although we can not establish a particular Raga for a particular disease. Different types of Ragas are applied in each different case.

Music therapy is based on scientific and clinical approach and has to be used with great care and deep study of nature of illness. Music thereby also depend on correct intonation and right use of the basic elements of music viz: notes, rhythm, volume, beats and piece of melody. There are countless Ragas of course with countless characteristics.

The modern revival of music therapy has not yet sufficiently progressed to indicate its full utility. Under existing circumstances , it is important to explore the information and concept of music thereby .Also it needs a heartily and deep research works to make it popular.

The research and generalization of music and music therapy is important for not only to advance the ethical and moral rights of the human being, but also to prevent, if possible, the negative and destructive influences which may be due to ignorance of the laws of governing the effects of sound and rhythm.

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Indian Classical Music

January 18th, 2011

The Indian classical music is rich with its historical, cultural, theoretical and aesthetic form. India has its own vibrant culture and customs. Classical music of India forms the very important part of this culture. The origin of the Indian Music can be be found in the ancient literature and scriptures. Indian classical music has been the part of the Hindu tradition. Indian classical music is the most complex and complicated musical system ever developed. The extreme cultural diversity creates endless variety of classical styles. Each region in India has its own particular style.

Indian classical music is composed of huge number of ragas. It is the mix of Carnatic and Hindustani music. There are seven notes popularly sung as the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa. there are interval between them. The one between the Sa and Re is called Komal Re (like Re flat), between Re and Ga is Komal Ga ( like mi flat), between Pa and Dha is Komal Dha (like La flat), between Dha and Ni is Komal Ni ( like Si flat). The fifth lies between Ma and Pa but it is called Tivra Ma, like Fa sharp.

Many musical instruments are peculiar to India. The most famous are the sitar, flute, and tabla. Indian classical music has gained tremendous popularity in the west also. It is based upon the ancient melodic pattern called raag and taal. Rag is the melodic form while taal is the rhythmic form.

Classical music has always been the influential part in the Indian society. There are traditional Indian bhajans that are especially composed as the true offering to the God. They have the special place in the among the Hindus. They are sung in the praise of God. Thumri is another vocal form of music based on the romantic and devotional movements. The language used in Thumri is the popularly called the brij bhasha. It is basically derived from the Radha Krishan theme. Sufi music called Qawwali is the another popular form of vocal music in India. It is performed with the one or two main singers and several chorus singers.

Dhrupad is the oldest style of classical singing in the North Indian music. It denotes both the form of poetry and the from of music in which the poetry is sung. It is also presented in the instrumental form. Dadra is the light classical music, which is very similar to the Thumri. It is basicaaly performed in the light ragas such as mand, pilu, or even pahadi. Kheyal holds the important place in the Indian music. The word Kheyal refers to the imagination. There is an extremely slow section in Kheyal which is called vilambit and the fast section which is called chotta Kheyal.

Bhangra is another most popular music among the punjabi’s in India. It is mainly sung on the beats of dhol or drum. Lavani is the folk music of the Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Traditionally the female artists sing the song in the fast tempo and the male singers accompany them with the tunes of Lavanis. Then comes the Rajasthani Folk music, which is the mixture of different flavours. It is dedicated to many religious customs, dieties, fais and festivals in Rajasthan. Rajasthani music has a alap that is followed by dooba or the recital of the couplet. Ravi Sahankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Harprasad Chaurasia, Subha mudgal are the India’s best known classical musicians known all over the world.