Indian Classical Music

Question

write a short response to the clinic of what you did learn, experience of hearing/listening to Indian classical music

Sample paper

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Indian Classical Music

For decades and centuries, humanity has been using music as a way of a community as well as transferring information and culture from one generation to another. Research shows that music can be a social activity, but can only be a spiritual experience depending on the nature and the purpose of the music. History shows that Indian classical music has two major traditions that include the north Indian classical music tradition known as Hindustani as well as the South India tradition known as the Carnatic. Ancient Indians were deeply impressed by the spiritual power of music, and it is out of this interest and devotion that the Indian classical music was developed (Mehta 77). As a result, it is safe to state that Indian classical music is comprised of single-minded devotion and lifelong commitment. This assignment will focus on identifying and exploring different aspects and components of the Indian classical music as presented in the master clinic.

Important elements of the Indian classical music

One of the most important elements of the Indian classical music that was present in the clinic is the language of the music widely known as the ragas. According to studies, one can learn the Indian classical music the same way individuals learn a new language. Therefore, once an individual has learned the basic notes of the music, then he or she can be introduced to different music themes widely known as the ragas.  With the learning of these new themes a composer is often encouraged to improvise the keynotes of the music to create their melodies, and through this improvisation, the Indian music grows from one stage to another (Sarrazin 25). It is worth noting that to create a success raga; a composer must have the ability to choose a particular set of notes from a single octave. Notably, varied sets of notes help to ignite varied moods and inspire different feelings.

Use of ornaments in Indian classical music

Another important aspect of this music is the use of ornaments which are used to bring the music to life.  As evident in the presentation, Indian classical music is about single melodic development where composers are trained to manipulate and do amazing things with only one single line of melody. Therefore, to enhance the quality of the music, these artists often use ornamentation. Notably, different types of ornamentation are used in the Indian classical music to bring the music into life (Roy 131). These ornamentations can add finer nuances to the melody or can completely change the dimension of the music by adding a new texture. Therefore, it is safe to state that different ornaments used in this music contribute to giving a body and dimensions to a simple melody as well as making these melodies complete in and of itself without the need for accompaniment.

Use notation during the performance of the music

Another important point noted during the performance is the use notation during the performance of the music. It is evident that the performers of Indian classical music do not notate music for performance needs considering that a classical music composer is by definition capable of developing a new raga. Therefore, the mere performance of this music is by itself an act of raga development considering the artist might be forced to improvise in the course of the performance (Leante 170). However, the notation is widely used to teach and learn music as well as aiding memory.  Notably, when a composer introduces a new raga, he or she might notate a few melodic phrases, patterns, and simple composition to enable them to recall them later. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that Indian classical music is one of the celebrated and rich music genres in the contemporary world.

Works Cited

Leante, Laura. “Imagery, Movement and Listeners’ Construction of Meaning in North Indian Classical Music.” Experience and Meaning in Music Performance, 2013, pp. 161-184.

Mehta, R. C. Indian classical music and gharānā tradition. Readworthy Publications, 2008.

Roy, Jeff. “The Internet Guru: Online Pedagogy in Indian Classical Music Traditions.” Asian Music, vol. 47, no. 1, 2016, pp. 103-135.

Sarrazin, Natalie R. Indian Music in the Classroom. Rowman & Littlefield Education, 2009.

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