The Beauty of Hindustani Classical Music

Hindustani classical music is one of the most beautiful and spiritual forms of music in the world. If you’re looking to connect with your higher self, this is the perfect genre to explore.

Introduction

Hindustani classical music is one of the two main streams of Indian classical music, the other being Carnatic music. It is also called North Indian classical music or Shaadiyaan Sangeet. Usually, when we say “Indian classical music”, we are referring to Hindustani classical music.

Hindustani classical music has its roots in the Vedas, which are the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism. Over the centuries, it has been influenced by a variety of other musical traditions, including Persian and Arabic music. Today, it is widely practiced in India and Pakistan, as well as in some other countries with large South Asian communities such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

There are two main types of Hindustani classical music: Khyal and Dhrupad. Khyal is the more popular style, and is characterized by its softer sound and more elaborate vocal ornamentation. Dhrupad is a more traditional style that is characterized by its heavier sound and simpler vocal style. Both styles are equally valid and respected within the Hindustani classical tradition.

One of the most distinctive features of Hindustani classical music is its use of improvisation. This means that musicians will often spontaneously create new melodies or ornamentations during a performance, rather than sticking to pre-composed pieces. This makes each performance unique and gives Hindustani classical musicians a great deal of creative freedom.

If you are interested in exploring Hindustani classical music further, there are many great resources available online and in print. You can also find plenty of recordings by both established and up-and-coming artists on streaming platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music.

What is Hindustani Classical Music?

Hindustani Classical Music is a genre of music that originated in North India. It is a highly improvised form of music that is based on a melody (raga) and rhythm (tala). The main instruments used in this type of music are the sitar, tabla, and harmonium.

History

Hindustani classical music is a tradition that originated in what is now North India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is commonly referred to as North Indian classical music or Shāstriya Sangīt. Its origins date back to the Vedic period, making it one of the oldest musical traditions in the world.

The tradition was further developed by the Persians during the Mughal period, and later by the British after they colonized India. In the post-independence era, Hindustani classical music has been influenced by a number of other genres, including Western classical music, filmi andSyncopated music from other parts of India.

The music is traditionally performed by soloists accompanied by a Drone Reed instrument called a Shehnai and drums called Tabla. The soloist usually plays a Ravanhatta, which is a type of plucked string instrument. The repertoire of Hindustani classical music includes ragas (melodic scales) and talas (rhythmic cycles).

There are two main schools of Hindustani classical music: the Khayal and the Dhrupad. The Khayal is the more popular style, while the Dhrupad is considered to be more traditional. Both styles are performed solo as well as in ensembles.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Hindustani classical music, both in India and abroad. This has led to a new generation of musicians who are keeping this centuries-old tradition alive.

Form

Hindustani classical music is an Indian classical music tradition that developed in what is now North India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The style is sometimes called North Indian classical music or Shāstriya Sangīt. It is a tradition that dates back to the 12th century CE and has been codified and actualized by various gharānas, or historical schools of musical composition and performing arts.

Instruments

Hindustani classical music is one of the two main sub-genres of Indian classical music, the other being Carnatic music, which is found predominantly in southern India.

Hindustani instrumental music is played on a wide variety of instruments. The sitar, for example, is perhaps the best-known and most popular Hindustani instrument. Other popular string instruments include the dilruba and the sarangi. Popular wind instruments include the shehnai and the bansuri (a type of flute). The tabla and the pakhawaj are popular percussion instruments.

Ragas

Ragas are melodic scales used in Hindustani classical music. A raga uses a set of notes organized into ascending and descending scales, and it is typically associated with certain moods or expressions. Each raga has its own unique identity, and performing musicians often improvise within the framework of the raga to create new variations.

Most ragas are based on a scale of seven notes, which can be further subdivided into 12 semitones. The notes of the scale are typically played in a specific order, called a melodic progression, which is designed to evoke particular emotions in the listener. Some ragas are associated with specific times of day or seasons, and they may be performed accordingly.

There are thousands of ragas in Hindustani classical music, each with its own distinct character. Some ragas are more popular than others, and some are considered more challenging to perform due to their intricate melodic patterns. Nevertheless, all ragas offer opportunities for creativity and self-expression, making them an essential part of this rich musical tradition.

Why is Hindustani Classical Music Beautiful?

There are many reasons why Hindustani Classical Music is beautiful. One reason is that it is based on raga, which is a melodic mode. This means that the music is based on scales, which create a certain mood or feeling. The music is also improvised, which means that the musicians can express their creativity and feelings through the music.

The Emotional Power of Ragas

One of the things that makes Hindustani classical music so beautiful is the way that the ragas are designed to evoke specific emotions in the listener. While Western classical music is often about telling a story or presenting an intellectual idea, Hindustani music is more about creating an experience or atmosphere.

Each raga is associated with a certain time of day, season, and feeling, and the musician will choose a raga based on what mood they want to create. For example, the raga Megh Malhar is typically played during the monsoon season, and it evokes the feeling of raindrops falling on leaves.

Ragas can also be classified by their overall mood, such as romantic (sringar), heroic (veer), devotional (bhakti), etc. The beauty of Hindustani classical music lies in its ability to take the listener on an emotional journey, transporting them to different states of mind and giving them a deeper understanding of their own feelings.

The Skill of the Musicians

Hindustani classical music is an incredibly complex and nuanced genre, with many different aspects that contribute to its beauty. One important factor is the skill of the musicians. Many Hindustani classical musicians have been playing for most of their lives, and have mastered their respective instruments to a high degree. This level of mastery allows them to create subtlety and textures in their playing that would not be possible for a less experienced musician.

Another important factor contributing to the beauty of Hindustani classical music is the use of microtones. Microtones are tones that are between the notes of the Western chromatic scale. These tones are produced by altering the way that the instrument is played, or by using specific fingerings on stringed instruments. The use of microtones allows for a much wider range of expression and emotion in the music, and can add a sense of depth and richness to the sound.

Finally, another important aspect of Hindustani classical music that contributes to its beauty is the improvisational nature of the genre. Many pieces are built around specific melodic themes, but within those pieces, the musicians are given a great deal of freedom to improvise and explore different variations on those themes. This improvisational element gives Hindustani classical music a sense of spontaneity and energy that can be incredibly beautiful to listen to.

The Complexity of the Music

Hindustani classical music is beautiful because of its complex melodic and rhythmic structure. The music is based on a system of ragas (melodic patterns) and talas (rhythmic cycles), which give it a distinctive sound. Highly trained musicians are able to improvise new melodies and rhythms within the framework of the ragas and talas, making each performance unique.

The Hindustani classical music tradition is over 1000 years old, and it has been deeply influenced by both Hindu and Muslim culture. This can be heard in the music, which combines elements of both traditions. Hindustani classical music is not just entertainment or background noise; it is a highly refined art form that can be enjoyed by both performers and listeners.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hindustani classical music is a beautiful and unique genre that is definitely worth exploring. It has a rich history and tradition, and its performers are true masters of their craft. If you have the opportunity to see a live performance or listen to a recording, I highly recommend it – you won’t be disappointed!