Sunday, September 18, 2011

History of Indian music

To a Hindu music is a way to realise God. It is not an art.
Yogis believe in Naads.(Something associated with Kundalini and spiritual awakening). Well, music originates from Anahat naad. So music to a Hindu is the body and realisition of God.

6 comments:

  1. In Vedic times, sages knew about high pitches and low pitches. And about shruti. They did not know seven notes. They did not know linear representation of seven notes.
    In Tamil Nadu, early ADs, raagas were known. So probably seven notes were known. Also Samudra Gupta dynasty in north knew about raagas. But linear representation of seven notes were not known.
    Amir Khusro, musician in Alla-ud-din Khilji's court invented musical instruments in 11 AD. So it is confirmed that linear representation of seven notes were known.
    Of course one must not forget the Bhakti revolution that happened throughout India which has made immense contribution to Indian music.

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  2. Bollywood Music too has a very interesting history.
    Bollywood movies earlier had heroes and heroines who were great singers. They would sing songs while being shot in camera. The orchestra was behind the camera.
    Then, handsome heroes and beautiful heroines were chosen. The singer went behind the camera with the orchestra. The hero had to do lip movement only.

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  3. It will be interesting to know how the older camera was and how the older movie projector was. Only some budda set boy will be able to throw some light.

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  4. The growth of Bollywood Music would closely follow the growth in electronics. Earlier days had magnetic tapes, vacuum tubes etc.
    Now, of course digital revolution has happened. One person can do a lot. And because the market is limited due to piracy, the single person takes all the booty. Orchestra players have lost a lot in this process. They now teach in schools or have established music schools.

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  5. To study Bollywood music history, one needs to study the development of the Gramophone Company of India. It is an old company and even today commands the rights of over 60% of music rights.

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  6. The trinity of carnatic music are shyama sastry,dikshitar and thyagaraja.
    Shyama sastry is circular and pleasant.
    Dikshitar is what the name suggests. Teacher style.
    Thyagaraja is ego.

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