During a conversation, an antagonist was conveyed the fact that I made a fair comparison between all forms of classical music and in my opinion, found that the Western classical is performed with greater discipline when compared to that in Hindustani or Carnatic classical music
The fundamental reason for this conclusion is the result of performers and not the composers. Each form of classical music is created or written with different dialect representing acculturation. In Western classical music, we have famous composers such as Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Beethoven, Sebastian Bach, and Antonio Vivaldi to name a few. There is Persian influence in the Hindustani music during the medieval period. On the other hand, Indian Classical music is further divided into sub-genres namely Hindustani classical and Carnatic classical music. Carnatic music is mainly sung through compositions, especially the Kriti (or kirtanam). Although improvisation plays an important role, composers such as Purandara Dasa and Thyagaraja have remained prominent composers
One observation that remained common in all forms of classical music is the composers write the music, performers will perform the music. Only interesting in Western music is the conductors who conduct symphonies. Johann Sebastian Bach was instance was a formidable intellectual and technical composer. You needed someone like Philip Grass or Daniel Barenboim to convert them to successful symphonies
On the other hand, we have common instruments in all forms of classical music. Music consolation in western classical is exemplary. Varieties of instruments are played at certain tempo and all of that has to come off, all at once. Variation in tempo and notation makes it all the more complex. Hindustani classical music has its own attractiveness and magnetism. Several families have sowed their lives inventing the instruments, improvising them to match the ragas. Surbadar and Sarod for instance has been invented by two families and have continued to be an asset to Hindustani classical music. I do not recollect such a thing in Carnatic classical music
I may say Carnatic classical has fewer variations in a single raga or a Kriti. They mostly adopt Western instrument such as Flute and Violin to complete their line-up whilst Hindustani classical musicians use instruments moreorless invented in India
Pure performance
During the same debate, I urged that Western classical music calls for intense discipline. Philharmonics for instance consists variety of instruments played by numerous musicians. These symphonies are played very harmoniously and with immense dedication and accurateness. Compositions of Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Beethoven, Sebastian Bach, and Antonio Vivaldi are played with perfection. Few Hindustani musicians render awful performance. I recollect attending few Hindustani concerts that have been exemplary. Hindustani and Western classical musician often explore and expand new horizons. They mix various instruments and playing styles. This forms unique blend of music. I see this missing in Carnatic classical music
Some of them have gone out adapting Western instruments. Few of them have been noticed and rest of them has faced an uphill task. More or less, Carnatic classical musicians have remained conservative and have closed themselves to the external world. For example – Western musicians have approached Carnatic classical musicians in the past but they have closed the doors stringently
Thyagaraja Aradhana (commemoration of Thyagaraja’s birthday) is celebrated each year. Hundreds of Classical music gather each year in Thyagaraja’s birthplace and render concert composed by him. I have closely watched this scene for almost 25 years and the quality of concerts and performers have deteriorated drastically. The essence of music has seen variable tones. Variety of instruments comes together and the way it was played is quite messy. Displaying a lack of consistency often invites ridicule. This may sound absurd. There is lax in discipline. Few ardent admirers may differ to agree
In the end, I do not intend to write a dissertation on this subject nor do I intend to be ungrateful to any of these. There is no such thing as fair comparison. Each form or genre of music has its own reason for existence. There are various factors that influence each other’s existence. We are more or less close to the true understanding but nevertheless fail to conclude anything from this. I am a believer that all forms of music deserves its own identify but with greater discipline
No comments:
Post a Comment