Indian music

• Includes multiple varieties of folk, popular, pop, classical music and R&B

• It has evolved over several eras• Includes two subgenres- Hindustani

and Carnatic music• Began as an integral part of socio-

religious life

Hindustani Music

• The Hindustani or North Indian style of Indian classical music

• Originated in Vedic ritual chants, but it has been evolving since the 12th century CE

• Originated from what is now North India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and to some extent in Nepal and Afghanistan

Characteristics of Hindustani music

• It has religious/philosophical roots• Highly formalised grammar• Has several different genres (e.g.

Alap, Masidkhani) and styles (Geeti, Bani or Baaj)

• Capable of intense expression in very slow speeds

• Steady, long held notes• Gradually builds up tempo

Carnatic music

• Associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent

• Confined two four modern states: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu

• Evolved from ancient Hindu traditions

• Of a more recent origin

Characteristics of Carnatic music

• Emphasis on vocal singing, most compositions are written to be sung

• Composition based, hence very little improvisation

• Has a very constant and quick tempo from the start

• Notes are not held for long• It is usually performed by a small

ensemble

Differences between Hindustani and Carnatic music

• Hindustani music uses various instruments, Carnatic uses mostly vocals

• Hindustani builds up the tempo, yet Carnatic has a constant, quick tempo so it lacks intensity, introspection, microtones and several ornaments found in Hindustani music

• Hindustani music contains more improvisation

• Carnatic music has short notes, yet Hindustani music has long, held notes

References• ‘Wikipedia: Music of India’ [online] 2001, Available: http

://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_India [accessed 28th November, 2013]

• ‘Wikipedia: Hindustani Classical Music’ [online] 2001, Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindustani_music [accessed 28th November, 2013]

• ‘Raga Culture: Hindustani Music’ [online] (date created not listed) Available: http://www.ragaculture.com/hindustani_music.html [accessed 28th November, 2013]

• ‘Wikipedia: Carnatic Music’ [online] 2001, Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnatic_music [accessed 28th November, 2013]