Which means, “A person devoid of interest in music, literature and arts is indeed an animal without horns and tail!”
The two classical forms of music in India are Hindustani and Carnatic. According to Hindu mythology, music in India started from the Sama veda. It is one among the four vedas in which the shlokas are chanted in a melodious and musical way. It is the veda of music.
It seems Bramha passed on this knowledge to Shiva who passed it on to the Saptarshis. The three fundamental frequencies which arose in the vedas are Ni Sa Re. All the other Swaras or frequencies are the improvised versions of these three notes. Carnatic music is more popular in southern parts of India. And most of the compositions sung are written in south Indian languages like Telugu, Tamil and Kannada. Sanskrit compositions are sung too. Carnatic music is most essential in Bharatanatyam. The 7 swaras or the basic notes in Carnatic music are Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha and Ni. It is said that these 7 swaras are associated with animal sounds: Sa is the sound of a peacock, Re of a bullock, Ga of a goat, Ma of a dove, Pa of a nightingale, Dha of a horse and Ni of an elephant. Some basic concepts in Carnatic music are Raga, Tala, Swara, Shruthi and Bhava:
Raga - The tuneful rendition.
Tala - The rhythmic order with mathematical precision.
Swara - The seven notes.
Shruthi - The musical pitch.
Bhava - Expression of thoughts and emotions.
Carnatic music follows the Mela Kartha system by Venkatamakhi. According to this system, there are 72 main ragas out of which hundreds of other ragas are formed. The movements of the scale up (arohanam) and down (avarohanam), and the notes sung with ornamentation (gamakas) are some guidelines that form the vast ragas. It is said that aalapa, thaya, geetha and prabandha are the four pillars of this art form. Venkatamakhi, the grand theorist of this music also proposed that the compositions are sung using the 12 chakras namely - indu, netra, agni, veda, bana, rithu, rishi, vaasu, bramha, disi, rudra and aditya. The famous Navarasas (sringara, hasya, rowdra, veera, karuna, bhayanaka, beebhatsa, adbhuta,
shanta) are of course expressed in all the ragas. Even though the main emphasis is on vocal music, instruments play a very important role in beautifying the Carnatic ragas. The vocalist is always accompanied by a Tamburi. Other percussion instruments like Mridangam are also seen in performances. It is said that Lord Vishnu played Mridangam during the Shiva Tandavam. This art form is that ancient but it still stands like a pillar amidst all the musical art forms that appeared over the centuries. Saint Purandaradasa of the Vijayangar dynasty is called the ‘Father of Carnatic music’ for his contributions in compositions. The trinity of Carnatic music are Thaygarajaru, Mutthu Swami Deekshitaru & Shyama Shastrigalu, they’re also called the jewels of Carnatic music.
John B Higgins, also called Higgins Bhagavatar was an American musician known for his skill in Carnatic music. He was deeply passionate about Indian art forms and worked very hard in spreading Carnatic music all over the world.
Learning classical music also has health benefits. It stimulates brain pathways which causes reasoning skills and results in a positive state of mind which helps in relaxation. There are also ragas with specific health benefits: Raag kapi helps cure depression & anxiety,
Raag Shankarabharanam restores peace and harmony in people with mental issues.
Classical art dates back to the Krita Yuga. The first ever Yuga. Something this old is indeed special and unique. The concept of “generation gap” doesn’t intervene here because Indian classical art is loved and adored by all.
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