CITY OF MUSIC
1. Context
Recently, The city of Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh was added to UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) for its “strong commitment to harnessing culture and creativity”. Kozikodhe from Kerala was also among the 55 new cities to join the network
2. About the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
- The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) is a global initiative that aims to promote international cooperation and sustainable urban development through creativity.
- It was established in 2004 by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and currently encompasses seven creative disciplines: Crafts and Folk Arts, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music.
- The UCCN provides a platform for cities to exchange best practices, develop innovative projects, and foster creativity as a driver of economic, social, and cultural development.
3. Gharana Music
- The Gwalior Gharana is one of the oldest and most respected schools of Indian classical music.
- It is known for its emphasis on melody, ornamentation, and emotional expression.
- The Gwalior style is characterized by its use of slow tempos, intricate taans (melodic passages), and a wide range of gamaks (ornamentations).
- The Gwalior Gharana is said to have originated in the 16th century, during the reign of the Mughal emperor Akbar.
- The early masters of the Gharana were Naththan Khan, Naththan Pir Bakhsh, and his grandsons Haddu and Hassu Khan.
- The Gwalior Gharana has produced many renowned musicians, including Bade Mohammad Khan, Faiyaz Khan, and Begum Akhtar.
- The Gharana tradition continues to be carried on by today's leading vocalists, such as Ustad Rashid Khan and Ustad Faiyaz Ahmed Dagar.
4. Indian Classical Music
- Indian classical music is a rich and diverse tradition that has evolved over centuries, encompassing a wide range of musical styles, forms, and instruments.
- It is generally described using terms like Marg Sangeet and Shastriya Sangeet.
- It has two major traditions: the North Indian classical music known as Hindustani and the South Indian expression known as Carnatic.
- During the period of Mughal rule of the Indian subcontinent, the traditions separated and evolved into distinct forms.
4.1. Key features of Indian classical music
Indian classical music is a rich and diverse tradition that encompasses a wide range of musical styles, forms, and instruments. Some of its key features include:
- Indian classical music is based on a melodic system called raga, a collection of notes that define the melodic framework and emotional character of a piece.
- Indian classical music employs a complex system of rhythmic cycles called tala, which provides the rhythmic foundation for the music.
- Gamaks are ornaments that are used to embellish melodies. Gamaks can be simple or complex, and they can add a great deal of flavour and variety to a musical performance.
- Improvisation is a central element of Indian classical music, allowing musicians to explore the raga's nuances and express their creativity within the established framework.
- Indian classical music is characterized by its extensive use of ornamentation, including gamaks, meends, and taans, which add depth and complexity to the melodic line.
- Indian classical music has been passed down through generations through an oral tradition, emphasizing the importance of guru-shishya parampara, the teacher-student lineage.
5. Hindustani music
- Hindustani music emerged in northern India during the 13th century. It is a synthesis of various musical traditions, including Indian folk music, Persian music, and Islamic music.
- Hindustani music developed in the courts of the Mughal emperors, who were generous patrons of the arts.
- Hindustani music and Carnatic music are the two main traditions of Indian classical music.
- Hindustani music is the dominant tradition in northern India, while Carnatic music is the dominant tradition in southern India.
- The two traditions share many similarities, but there are also some important differences.
- Hindustani music is characterized by its emphasis on improvisation, while Carnatic music is characterized by its more structured approach.
- Hindustani music also uses a wider range of instruments than Carnatic music.
5.1. Major styles of Hindustani music
- Khyal is a vocal style of Hindustani music that is characterized by its emphasis on melody and improvisation. Khyal performances typically feature a vocalist accompanied by a tabla player and a harmonium player.
- Dhrupad is an older style of Hindustani music that is characterized by its slower tempo and more complex rhythmic structure. Dhrupad performances typically feature a vocalist accompanied by a pakhawaj player and a surbahar player.
- Tarana is a fast-paced improvisational style, often used as a concluding piece in a performance.
- Thumri is a lighter and more playful style, characterized by its use of folk melodies and rhythms.
- Qawwali is a devotional style of music, often performed by Sufi musicians.
6. Carnatic music
Carnatic music, known as Karnāṭaka saṃgīta or Karnāṭaka saṅgītam in the South Indian languages, is a system of music commonly associated with South India, including the modern Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is one of two main subgenres of Indian classical music that evolved from ancient Hindu texts and traditions, particularly the Samaveda. The other subgenre is Hindustani music, which emerged as a distinct form because of Persian or Islamic influences from Northern India.
6.1. Key Features of Carnatic Music
- A raga is a melodic framework that defines the notes, scale, and ornamentation of a piece of music. It is said to evoke a particular mood or emotion.
- Talas are rhythmic cycles that provide the underlying structure for Carnatic music. They are often complex and intricate and can be played on a variety of percussion instruments.
- Carnatic music performances are typically based on short compositions, often written by the performer or their guru. Improvisation is still an important element, but it is generally within the confines of the composition.
- Carnatic music places a strong emphasis on rhythmic precision and adherence to the tala. This is reflected in the use of percussion instruments, such as the mridangam and ghatam, which play a central role in Carnatic performances.
- Carnatic music has been passed down through generations through an oral tradition, emphasizing the importance of guru-shishya parampara, the teacher-student lineage.
6.2. Instruments of Carnatic Music
Carnatic music is performed on a variety of instruments, including:
- Veena is a long, fretted string instrument that is considered the premier instrument of Carnatic music.
- Mridangam is a two-headed drum that is the main percussion instrument of Carnatic music. It is used to keep the tala and provide rhythmic accompaniment to the melody.
- Flute is a wooden or bamboo flute that is known for its sweet and expressive tone. It is often used to play alapanas, slow, improvisational pieces that introduce a raga.
- The violin was introduced to Carnatic music in the 20th century and has become a popular instrument. It is known for its ability to play both melody and harmony.
- Vocal Singing is considered the most important instrument in Carnatic music. Vocalists are expected to have a strong command of both melody and rhythm.
6.3. Genres of Carnatic Music
Carnatic music encompasses a wide range of genres, each with its own distinct characteristics. Some of the major genres include:
- Kriti is a structured composition that is the most common form of Carnatic music. It typically consists of a Pallavi (chorus), anupallavi (verse), and charanam (stanza).
- Varnam is a complex composition that is known for its intricate rhythmic structure and rapid-fire melodic passages.
- Alaapana is a slow, improvisational piece that introduces a raga.
- Gamaka is an ornament that is used to add embellishment and expression to a melody.
- Taan is a rapid melodic passage that is used to showcase the performer's virtuosity.
|
For Prelims: UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network, Indian classical music, Carnatic Music, Hindustani music,
For Mains:
1. Analyze the historical and cultural factors that contributed to the divergence of Hindustani and Carnatic music traditions in India. (250 Words)
2. Critically analyze the challenges and opportunities faced by cities in leveraging creativity as a driver of economic, social, and cultural development. (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. Recently, UNESCO has designated Hyderabad as a member of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of ________. (IBPS PO 2019)
a. Traditional Art b. Gastronomy c. Creative Cities d. Network Natural Art
e. Cultural Heritage
Answer: B
2. In October 2019, which of the following pairs of Indian cities was included by UNESCO in its network of ‘Creative Cities’ on the occasion of World Cities Day 2019? (SSC CHSL 2020)
A. Hyderabad & Mumbai
B. Pune & Hyderabad
C. Delhi & Mumbai
D. Jodhpur & Kolkata
Answer: A
3. With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct? (UPSC 2012)
1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.
2. Dhrupad is primarily devotional and spiritual music.
3. Dhrupad Alap uses the Sanskrit syllabus from Mantras.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 1, 2 and 3 D. None of the above is correct
Answer: B
4. With reference to cultural history of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. Most of the Tyagaraja Kritis are devotional songs in praise of Lord Krishna.
2. Tyagaraja created several new ragas.
3. Annamcharya and Tyagaraja are contemporaries.
4. Annamacharya kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of Lord Venkateshwara.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only B. 2 and 4 only C. 1, 2 and 3 D. 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
|
Source: The Indian Express
