Indian Classical Music Flashcards
What are the two main categories Indian classical music can be divided into?
The northern (Hindustani) traditions. The southern (Carnastic) traditions.
When did these northern and southern traditions split?
Sometime between the 12th and 15th centuries.
How old are the shared roots of the northern and southern traditions?
As old as the Vedas, sacred Hindu hymns that date from 1500-1200 BCE
What are some instruments Indian Classical music makes use of?
Ancient instruments such as the veena, tabla, sitar, dholak, manjira and tanpura.
What is the music theory behind Indian classical music?
It’s distinct from European concepts of harmony, thus creating a completely different sound.
What are some components that are all treated in different ways in the music theory behind Indian classical music?(4)
Intonation, scales, pitch and rhythm.
How does the spirituality of the Indian classical music come about?
The music is linked to the spirituality and mysticism of Hinduism.
The ancient philosophical and spiritual ideas of the culture and people provide a framework for the music.
What gives Indian classical music it’s unique sound and structure?
Ragas and talas.
What is the literal meaning of raga?
Dyeing something in color.
What do ragas have to do with?
Melody.
What do talas have to do with?
Rhythm.
What is a raga?
A set of notes that provide a melodic framework for improvisation and composition,
What does tala mean?
Clap
What else does tala refer to?
The rhythms that underpin the music-everything to do with the beat, how many beats there are, whether they are emphasised or not, and how long the rhythmical cycle is:
What is the raga said to be able to do?
To colour the mind and affect the emotion of the listener in its specific way. Any given raga carries an essence, atmosphere or mood and is chosen to convey whichever mood it is to the audience.
