8.3 Indian classical music influences

Indian classical music, rooted in ancient Vedic traditions, has profoundly influenced modern music. Its complex rhythms, improvisation, and spiritual expression have shaped genres worldwide. This ancient art form has evolved over millennia, developing into two main traditions: Hindustani and Carnatic.

The raga system and tala rhythmic patterns form the foundation of Indian classical music. These elements provide a framework for both composition and improvisation, allowing musicians to convey deep emotions and explore spiritual themes through their performances.

Origins of Indian classical music

• Indian classical music traces its roots back thousands of years, evolving alongside the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Indian subcontinent
• This ancient art form has had a profound influence on modern music, particularly in areas of improvisation, complex rhythmic structures, and spiritual expression

Ancient Vedic traditions

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• Originated in the sacred Hindu texts called the Vedas, dating back to around 1500 BCE
• Sama Veda contains hymns and chants that form the basis of Indian classical music
• Developed a system of musical scales (jatis) and melodic frameworks (grama)
• Emphasized the power of sound (nada) as a means of spiritual connection and enlightenment

Development through centuries

• Evolved through various historical periods, including the Gupta Empire (320-550 CE) and Mughal Era (1526-1857)
• Natya Shastra, an ancient Sanskrit text on performing arts, codified musical principles around 200 BCE
• Divided into two main traditions: Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian) around the 13th century
• Patronage by royal courts and temples played a crucial role in refining and preserving musical traditions

Fundamental concepts

• Indian classical music is built upon a complex system of melodic and rhythmic structures
• These foundational elements provide a framework for both composition and improvisation, allowing for deep emotional expression and spiritual exploration

Raga system

• Melodic framework that forms the basis of composition and improvisation
• Consists of a specific set of notes (usually 5-7) with prescribed patterns of ascent (aroha) and descent (avaroha)
• Each raga associated with a particular mood, season, or time of day
• Performers elaborate on the raga through various techniques (alap, jor, jhala)
• Examples of popular ragas:
  • Yaman: evening raga associated with peace and tranquility
  • Bhairavi: morning raga expressing devotion and introspection

Tala rhythmic patterns

• Cyclical rhythmic structure that provides the temporal framework for composition and improvisation
• Consists of a fixed number of beats (matras) grouped into measures (vibhags)
• Marked by specific hand gestures (kriyas) to indicate different parts of the cycle
• Ranges from simple patterns to highly complex structures
• Common talas:
  • Teental: 16-beat cycle popular in Hindustani music
  • Adi tala: 8-beat cycle frequently used in Carnatic music

Major forms

• Indian classical music has developed into two distinct traditions, each with its own unique characteristics and performance styles
• Both forms share fundamental concepts but differ in their approach to melody, rhythm, and improvisation

Hindustani music

• Predominant in North India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
• Heavily influenced by Persian and Islamic musical traditions
• Emphasizes improvisation and emotional expression
• Major vocal forms:
  • Khyal: elaborate improvisational style focusing on raga development
  • Dhrupad: ancient, austere form with emphasis on pure notes and rhythmic precision
• Instrumental genres:
  • Gat: composed melodic theme in a specific raga and tala
  • Jugalbandi: duet performance showcasing interplay between two instruments

Carnatic music

• Prevalent in South India and Sri Lanka
• Maintains closer ties to ancient Vedic traditions
• Places greater emphasis on devotional content and compositional structures
• Principal vocal forms:
  • Kriti: most common form, consisting of three sections (pallavi, anupallavi, charanam)
  • Varnam: elaborate composition used as a warm-up and to showcase technical skill
• Instrumental adaptations:
  • Tanam: rhythmic improvisation using syllables
  • Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi (RTP): extended improvisation showcasing raga exploration and rhythmic complexity

Key instruments

• Indian classical music utilizes a wide array of unique instruments, each with its own distinct timbre and playing technique
• These instruments play crucial roles in both solo performances and ensemble settings

Sitar and veena

• Sitar:
  • Plucked string instrument iconic in Hindustani music
  • Long-necked lute with 18-21 strings, including sympathetic strings
  • Produces a distinctive buzzing sound due to curved frets
  • Made famous in the West by Ravi Shankar and his collaborations with Western musicians
• Veena:
  • Ancient plucked string instrument central to Carnatic music
  • Has 4 main strings and 3 drone strings
  • Large resonating chamber made from a hollowed-out log
  • Considered the instrument of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and arts

Tabla and mridangam

• Tabla:
  • Pair of hand drums used in Hindustani music
  • Consists of a smaller right-hand drum (dayan) and a larger left-hand drum (bayan)
  • Produces a wide range of sounds through various finger and hand techniques
  • Used both as a solo instrument and for accompaniment
• Mridangam:
  • Double-headed barrel drum essential to Carnatic music
  • Made from a single piece of wood with leather heads on both ends
  • Played with hands and fingers to produce complex rhythmic patterns
  • Considered the principal percussion instrument in Carnatic ensembles

Vocal techniques

• Vocal music holds a central place in Indian classical traditions, with singers developing highly refined techniques for expression and improvisation
• These techniques allow for intricate melodic elaboration and emotional depth in performance

Alap and improvisation

• Alap:
  • Slow, unmetered introduction to a raga
  • Gradually explores the notes and phrases of the chosen raga
  • Establishes the mood and emotional context of the performance
  • Divided into several stages (jor, jhala) in Hindustani music
• Improvisation:
  • Central to Indian classical music, allowing for spontaneous creativity within the raga framework
  • Includes techniques like:
    • Taans: rapid melodic passages showcasing vocal agility
    • Sargam: using solfege syllables (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni) in melodic patterns
    • Bol-taans: incorporating rhythmic syllables into melodic improvisation

Gamaka ornamentations

• Subtle pitch inflections and oscillations that bring life to the notes of a raga
• Essential for expressing the unique character and emotion of each raga
• Types of gamakas:
  • Kampita: oscillation between two notes
  • Jaru: sliding between notes
  • Ahata: gentle stress on a note
• Vary in execution between Hindustani and Carnatic styles
• Require years of practice to master and apply appropriately within different ragas

Western composers influenced

• Indian classical music has had a significant impact on Western composers and musicians, particularly in the 20th and 21st centuries
• This cross-cultural exchange has led to innovative fusion styles and new approaches to composition and improvisation

Beatles and Ravi Shankar

• George Harrison of the Beatles studied sitar with Ravi Shankar in the 1960s
• Incorporated Indian instruments and musical concepts into Beatles songs:
  • "Norwegian Wood" (1965): first use of sitar in Western pop music
  • "Within You Without You" (1967): features Indian instruments and philosophical themes
• Ravi Shankar:
  • Renowned sitar player who brought Indian classical music to global audiences
  • Composed for Western orchestras, blending Indian and Western musical elements
  • Collaborated with Western musicians like Yehudi Menuhin and Philip Glass

Philip Glass and minimalism

• Philip Glass, a pioneer of minimalist music, studied with Ravi Shankar in the 1960s
• Incorporated Indian musical concepts into his compositional style:
  • Cyclical rhythmic patterns inspired by Indian talas
  • Additive rhythmic processes derived from Indian music structures
• Notable works influenced by Indian music:
  • "Satyagraha" (1979): opera based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi
  • "Passages" (1990): collaborative album with Ravi Shankar
• Influence extended to other minimalist composers like Terry Riley and La Monte Young

Indian classical vs Western music

• While both traditions have developed complex musical systems, they differ significantly in their fundamental approaches to melody, harmony, and performance practice
• Understanding these differences provides insight into the unique characteristics of each tradition

Melodic vs harmonic focus

• Indian classical music:
  • Primarily melodic, based on the intricate development of a single melodic line
  • Emphasizes the exploration of ragas and their emotional associations
  • Uses drones (tanpura) to provide a constant tonal center
  • Microtonal inflections (shrutis) play a crucial role in expressing the nuances of ragas
• Western classical music:
  • Focuses on harmonic progressions and vertical relationships between notes
  • Developed a complex system of chord structures and functional harmony
  • Utilizes equal temperament tuning, limiting microtonal expressions
  • Emphasizes the interplay between multiple melodic lines (counterpoint)

Improvisation vs notation

• Indian classical music:
  • Heavily relies on improvisation within the framework of raga and tala
  • Oral tradition plays a significant role in transmitting musical knowledge
  • Compositions serve as a starting point for extended improvisation
  • Notation systems exist but are not central to performance practice
• Western classical music:
  • Primarily based on written scores with precise notation
  • Interpretive freedom exists but within narrower boundaries
  • Improvisation was more common in earlier periods (Baroque) but declined in later eras
  • Emphasis on faithful reproduction of the composer's intentions as notated in the score

Modern fusion styles

• The interaction between Indian classical music and other genres has led to the development of innovative fusion styles
• These collaborations have expanded the expressive possibilities of both Indian and Western musical traditions

Indo-jazz collaborations

• Began in the 1960s with musicians seeking to blend Indian classical elements with jazz improvisation
• Notable collaborations:
  • John Coltrane's exploration of Indian scales and spirituality
  • "Indo-Jazz Fusions" albums by Joe Harriott and John Mayer in the late 1960s
• Characteristics of Indo-jazz fusion:
  • Incorporation of Indian instruments (sitar, tabla) into jazz ensembles
  • Use of Indian ragas as a basis for jazz improvisation
  • Exploration of complex rhythmic patterns inspired by Indian talas
• Contemporary artists:
  • Vijay Iyer: pianist blending Carnatic concepts with modern jazz
  • Rudresh Mahanthappa: saxophonist incorporating Indian melodic and rhythmic ideas into jazz compositions

Electronic and world music

• Indian classical elements have been integrated into various electronic and world music genres
• Characteristics of electronic fusion:
  • Sampling of Indian instruments and vocals in electronic dance music
  • Use of tabla loops and sitar riffs in ambient and downtempo genres
  • Creation of electronic tanpura drones for meditation music
• Notable artists and projects:
  • Talvin Singh: tabla player and electronic music producer
  • Karsh Kale: multi-instrumentalist blending Indian classical with electronica and rock
  • Midival Punditz: electronic music duo incorporating traditional Indian elements
• World music collaborations:
  • Shakti: group led by John McLaughlin, combining Indian music with jazz-rock fusion
  • Remember Shakti: revival of the Shakti concept with new collaborators

Cultural significance

• Indian classical music is deeply intertwined with the philosophical, spiritual, and social fabric of Indian culture
• Its significance extends beyond mere entertainment, serving as a means of personal growth and cultural expression

Spiritual and philosophical aspects

• Concept of Nada Brahma: belief that the universe is made up of sound vibrations
• Music as a path to spiritual enlightenment and self-realization
• Ragas associated with specific deities, emotions, and natural phenomena
• Practice of music as a form of meditation and devotion (bhakti)
• Influence of various philosophical schools:
  • Yoga: connection between breath control, sound, and consciousness
  • Tantra: use of sound vibrations (mantras) for spiritual transformation

Role in Indian society

• Traditional patronage system:
  • Royal courts and temples supported musicians and preserved musical traditions
  • Gharana system: hereditary schools of music passing knowledge through generations
• Social functions:
  • Integral part of religious ceremonies and festivals
  • Used in life-cycle events (weddings, births, funerals)
  • Tool for social commentary and expression of cultural identity
• Modern context:
  • Adaptation to concert hall settings and recording industry
  • Continued importance in film music and popular culture
  • Efforts to preserve and promote classical traditions through government institutions and cultural organizations

Global impact

• Indian classical music has gained significant recognition and influence on the global stage
• Its unique concepts and aesthetics have enriched the world music landscape and fostered cross-cultural understanding

World music festivals

• Increasing presence of Indian classical musicians at international music festivals
• Dedicated festivals celebrating Indian music and culture:
  • Dover Lane Music Conference (Kolkata, India)
  • Darbar Festival (London, UK)
  • Saptak Annual Festival of Music (Ahmedabad, India)
• Integration of Indian classical performances in broader world music events:
  • WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) festivals
  • Rainforest World Music Festival (Malaysia)
• Impact on festival programming:
  • Increased awareness and appreciation of Indian classical traditions
  • Opportunities for collaboration between Indian and international artists
  • Educational workshops and lectures on Indian music theory and practice

Cross-cultural collaborations

• Collaborations between Indian classical musicians and artists from diverse genres:
  • Zakir Hussain (tabla) with diverse artists like Mickey Hart, Bela Fleck, and Edgar Meyer
  • L. Shankar (violin) with Peter Gabriel, Frank Zappa, and Talking Heads
• Fusion projects exploring new sonic territories:
  • Remember Shakti: blending Indian classical with jazz and flamenco
  • Ghazal: collaboration between Indian and Persian classical musicians
• Impact on Western classical music:
  • Incorporation of Indian instruments in orchestral works
  • Composers like Philip Glass and Terry Riley drawing inspiration from Indian musical concepts
• Influence on popular music:
  • Use of sitar and tabla in rock and pop productions
  • Sampling of Indian classical music in electronic and hip-hop genres

Preservation and evolution

• Indian classical music faces the challenge of preserving its rich traditions while adapting to modern contexts
• Various approaches have been developed to ensure the continuity and relevance of this ancient art form

Traditional gurukul system

• Ancient method of music education based on close teacher-student relationship
• Characteristics of the gurukul system:
  • Students live with their guru (teacher) for extended periods
  • Holistic approach combining musical training with spiritual and personal development
  • Oral transmission of knowledge through direct instruction and imitation
  • Emphasis on rigorous practice and discipline
• Advantages:
  • Deep, immersive learning experience
  • Preservation of subtle nuances and traditional interpretations
• Challenges in modern context:
  • Time-intensive nature conflicts with contemporary lifestyles
  • Limited accessibility for students unable to commit to full-time study

Contemporary music education

• Adaptation of Indian classical music education to modern institutional settings
• Formal music programs in universities and conservatories:
  • Structured curricula combining practical training with music theory and history
  • Integration of Indian classical music into world music and ethnomusicology programs
• Technology-assisted learning:
  • Online courses and video tutorials making Indian classical music more accessible
  • Digital tools for practicing rhythm and pitch accuracy
  • Apps and software for notating and analyzing ragas
• Efforts to standardize notation and teaching methods:
  • Development of comprehensive notation systems for Indian music
  • Creation of graded examination systems (similar to Western music boards)
• Challenges and opportunities:
  • Balancing traditional teaching methods with modern pedagogical approaches
  • Addressing the need for cultural context alongside technical skill development
  • Exploring new performance contexts and career opportunities for Indian classical musicians