The term 'Geet' is a generic term used in Sanskrit to refer to a song or composition, and in the context of the 'Rigveda,' it is used interchangeably with the terms 'Geer,' 'Gatu,' 'Gatha,' and 'Gayatra' to indicate various forms of poetic expression or hymns sung in praise of deities.
A.H. Fox Strangways was a British musicologist, ethnomusicologist, and writer. He was known for his significant contributions to the study of Indian music and culture. "Music of Hindustan" is one of his notable works, where he explores and analyzes the music traditions of India, especially focusing on Hindustani classical music.
In Indian classical music, these terms are used to indicate the pitch levels of the notes or swaras. The three swaras are based on their position in relation to the natural or reference pitch (Shadja or Sa). Here's what each term represents:
Uddata (Upper): This refers to the swaras or notes that are placed above the reference pitch (Sa). They are higher in pitch.
Anuddata (Middle): This refers to the swaras or notes that are placed at the same pitch as the reference pitch (Sa). They are at the middle pitch level.
Swarita (Lower): This refers to the swaras or notes that are placed below the reference pitch (Sa). They are lower in pitch.
These terms are commonly used in the context of Indian classical music to describe the position of different swaras and to indicate the melodic movements in a musical composition or raga.
The term 'Matu' is used for the textual part of a song. In music and singing, the term "Matu" refers to the lyrics or textual content of a song. It is the part of the song that carries the message, story, or emotions and is typically sung by the vocalist. The instrumental accompaniment complements the Matu and provides the melody and harmony to enhance the overall musical experience. The Matu can vary in language, style, and content depending on the cultural context and genre of the song. It is an essential component of music, and different songs can evoke various emotions and meanings through their unique Matu.
A shruti is the smallest interval of pitch used in the system of tuning. The octave is divided into 22 microtonal intervals called shruties, which are smaller than the Western semitones. Each shruti represents a specific pitch interval, and the exact tuning of these shruties can vary depending on the raga or musical context.
"Geet Govindam" is a famous lyrical composition written by the 12th-century Indian poet Jayadeva. It is a Sanskrit poem of exquisite beauty that describes the divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha. The poem is organized into twelve chapters or songs (Ashtapadis), each with its own distinct mood and theme.
The frequency ratio between Ma and Tar Shadaj is expressed as 2: 3. This means that the frequency of Tar Shadaj is 1.5 times higher than the frequency of Madhyam. It is important to note that the exact frequencies and tunings may vary depending on the specific tuning system or raga used in performance. However, the relative interval between Ma and Tar Shadaj remains the same as 2: 3 in Indian classical music.
B.C. Deva (1901-1980) was a prominent Indian musicologist, ethnomusicologist, and music critic. He made significant contributions to the study and documentation of Indian classical music, particularly in the fields of Hindustani classical music and Carnatic music.
In the traditional Indian musical instrument veena, the placement of the 'swaras' (musical notes) on the strings is critical for producing the correct pitch and tuning. Pt. Ahobal, a renowned veena player and scholar of Indian classical music, has specified that the 'Shudha-Madhyam' (the natural or regular fourth note of the Indian musical scale) is to be positioned at 27" from the top end of the 36" wire of the veena.
The Pentatonic Scale is a musical scale that consists of five notes per octave. It is widely used in various musical traditions around the world, including Western music. In the Western context, the most common forms of the Pentatonic Scale are the major pentatonic scale and the minor pentatonic scale.
"Kar Milan Chao Birohi" is a beautiful Rabindra Sangeet written and composed by the legendary poet and composer Rabindranath Tagore. This song is set in the Purvi Raga, which is one of the popular ragas used in Indian classical music and is commonly employed in the composition of Rabindra Sangeet.
Archika and Gana form the rich and melodious compositions of 'Sam Veda,' which is an integral part of the Vedic tradition and has great religious and cultural significance in Hinduism.Archika and Gana form the rich and melodious compositions of 'Sam Veda,' which is an integral part of the Vedic tradition and has great religious and cultural significance in Hinduism.
"Chandalika" is a dance-drama (Nritya Natya) written by Rabindranath Tagore in 1938. The play addresses the social issue of caste discrimination and the idea of untouchability prevalent in Indian society during that time. It revolves around the central character, Prakriti, a young untouchable girl, who desires to be treated equally and longs for the touch of kindness.
When comparing the time between two "Shrutis" to the time between two "Swaras," it is essential to understand that "Shrutis" are the microtonal intervals, while "Swaras" are the basic musical notes. Since "Shrutis" represent very small pitch variations, the time between two consecutive "Shrutis" is much shorter than the time between two consecutive "Swaras" (basic notes).
The correct chronological order is Natyashastra, Geet Govind, and Sangeet Ratnakar.
The veena is a traditional musical instrument widely used in Indian classical music. It is a stringed instrument with a resonator and usually played by plucking the strings. There are various types of veenas in Indian music, and one of them is the Nine-string Veena, which was referred to as 'Vipanchi' by ancient scholars. The name 'Vipanchi' comes from the Sanskrit language, and it indicates the number of strings on the veena, which is nine. The Nine-string Veena has a long history and holds a significant place in the Indian classical music tradition. It is known for its rich and melodious sound and has been used by many renowned musicians throughout history.
