Carnatic vs Hindustani Music

Carnatic vs Hindustani Music

• Carnatic music is the classical tradition of South India, emphasizing precomposed Hindu devotional songs.
• Hindustani music represents the more modern musical tradition of North India, characterized by expansive improvisation and dramatic contrasts in tempo.

Indian Music Characteristics

• Indian music showcases a diverse range, including pop influences reminiscent of Western music.
• Southern Carnatic music is largely pre-composed, while Northern Hindustani music features significant improvisation.

Functioning Layers in Carnatic Music

• Performance integrates dancing and chanting by specialists, characterized by repeated gestures and movements.

Bhajan

• Bhajan refers to devotional songs in the Hindu tradition.

Kriti Form and Sections

• Alapana: Introduction to Raga without rhythm.
• Tanam: Rhythmic exposition of the raga, marking the start of metric playing.
• Kriti: Main composed song where the drum enters.
• Kalpana Svaras: Imaginative notes that are subtle and hard to notice.
• Tani: Distinct drum solo, clearly apparent.
• Kriti: Concludes with a short ending.

Gurukula System

• Traditional educational system in India where students live with their teachers for extended periods to learn music and cultural practices.

Melakarta System

• Framework consisting of seven-note scales in Carnatic music.

Raga

• A foundational musical structure identified by its scale and specific embellishments, serving as a base for composition and improvisation.

Tala

• A recurring rhythmic cycle in Indian music, which can be tracked using hand and finger gestures.

Rasa

• Refers to the emotional response evoked by a piece of art, particularly in the context of Indian music.

Sruti

• A drone layer commonly produced on various Indian instruments during performances.

Tambura

• A plucked instrument similar to a mandolin, used mainly in Indian classical music.

Veena

• A seven-stringed lute that represents a significant instrument in South Indian classical music.

Mridangam

• The primary barrel-shaped drum of South India, characterized by its two-headed playing mechanism using palms and fingers.

Traditional Instruments of North India

• Tabla: A pair of drums made from wood and metal.
• Sitar: A plucked string instrument with 22 strings.
• Sarangi: A bowed string instrument.
• Sarod: A lute-like instrument utilized in Hindustani music.

African Music Characteristics

• African music is categorized into larger cultural zones, with individual identity shaped by numerous factors.
• Diverse ethnic groups, often referred to as tribes or kingdoms, influence the musical landscape across the continent.

Enculturation

• A gradual process where individuals gain cultural competence through community living, particularly during childhood.

Ewe and Agbekor

• Agbekor: Defined by call-and-response vocal styles addressing life challenges, alongside instrumental dance drumming with repetitive rhythms.

Dagbamba

• An ethnic group in Dagbon, known for their lineage of Lunsi drummers.

Griots

• African singers renowned for narrating tribal genealogies and histories through music.

Lunga

• An hourglass-shaped drum used by the Lunsi drummers, integral to the Dagbamba culture.

Gung-gong

• A carved cylindrical drum featuring snares on both heads, played by Lunsi.

Shona Music

• Ethnic group from Zimbabwe celebrated for their mbira music, a significant cultural expression.

Mbira

• A plucked idiophone instrument central to Shona musical traditions.

Chuning

• The specific tuning process of the mbira instrument.

BaAka Music

• Reflects the lifestyle of small, mobile communities in forested Africa; emphasizes communal social critique through music and limited instrumental use, focusing on vocal polyphony.

Mabo

• Music and dance associated with net hunting activities in the BaAka culture.

Eboka

• Represents a performance event within the Moba cultural framework.

Arab Music Characteristics

• Holds a vital role in intellectual life, characterized by the use of microtones and a blend of metric and non-metric rhythms.