Sangeetanubhava |
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WHAT IS SANGEETANUBHAVA? |
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What exactly is music? One may be tempted to reply, "Elementary, my dear Watson! Anything that is musical to the ears is music!” It is by no means an easy task to define music but one may understand it as a special means of communication, through organised, regular vibrations. Audible frequencies can be classified, on the basis of regularity of vibrations, into noise, sound and music. (Strictly speaking, sound encompasses both noise and music but here it is being used to denote something in-between.) We hear noise, listen to sound and enjoy music. If we don't enjoy it, it won't be music to us. Thus we come across people with a wide range of tastes and expectations, who may agree or disagree as to what music is. For instance, a person who likes fast exciting rhythm-based music may find slow alapanas or songs dreary and boring. On the contrary, a person who adores peaceful, tranquil melodies may find the super-fast stuff quite unmusical. To such a person, it may well fall under the category of noise. High-class music will have its loyal followers irrespective of country, region, religion, race or age. Carnatic music is undoubtedly such a system. Carnatic music, like many other systems across the world, can be appreciated mainly at two levels - emotional or intellectual. It has generally been observed that the majority, at least in the initial stages, go by 'what it does to their heart'. But gradually they seek to understand more in order to enjoy better. Of course, there are many who enjoy it for spiritual and / or philosophical reasons too. A good music system is one where both the emotional and intellectual aspects are present in even measure. It must also have enough instant appeal to attract the unexposed listener as well as lasting value and substance in order to stand the test of time and thorough analysis. In this context, Carnatic music, which is one of the most ancient music systems in the world, commands world-wide respect and admiration even in the 21st century. Carnatic music is one of the two major systems of classical music in India, the other being Hindustani music. One of its greatest virtues is that while it is among the most scientifically evolved independent systems in the world, it has also managed to take in desirable aspects from any system and adopt them with an enviable catholicity of outlook, without in any way, prejudicing its originality and individuality. For instance, the violin and guitar have been successfully adopted here from the West, just as a few ragas have been incorporated from Hindustani music. Again, Carnatic music is governed by well-defined theoretical principles but without jeopardising the practical, aesthetic expression of music since it has a disciplined performing tradition extending back to several generations. Some of the key terms you may come across when dealing with Carnatic music are: Raga, Tala, Kriti, Varnam, Padam, Javali, Alapana, Tanam, Neraval, Kalpanaswara and Tani avartanam. These will be dealt with in the subsequent sections. |
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Characteristics of Carnatic music |
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General Tips on Appreciation |
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What
does Carnatic music offer to a new listener? Primarily, it is an additional option to enjoy life. A new listener
can certainly develop a taste for Carnatic music over a few sessions of
listening. Over a period of time, he will become increasingly aware of its
positive effects.
Here are a few tips on how you can enhance your appreciation levels:
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Raganubhava | |
Sahityanubhava | |
Concert Presentation | |