Download Indian Classical Instrumental Music

Indian Classical Instrumental Music
Workshop Summary
A short performance oriented course on the fundamentals of Indian
Classical instrumental music. The performance aspect of the class is
structured around a theoretical framework that includes the concepts
of raga (modal structure) and tala (rhythmic cycle). Student focus on
learning the modes of improvisation and participate in a detailed
practical study of at least two ragas. The teaching method relies
heavily on imitation. Students imitate the teacher as they explore and
develop ragas together. Several set compositions are taught and used
as bases for improvisation.
Rajeev Taranath
Internationally acclaimed performer and award-winning composer, Rajeev
Taranath is one of the world's leading exponents of the sarod. A distinguished
disciple of the legendary late Maestro Ali Akbar Khan, his performances
masterfully combine the depth and rigor of the tradition of Hindustani classical
music with an inspired imagination and emotional intensity. From 1995-2005,
Pt. Taranath directed the Indian classical music program at the Herb Alpert
School of Music at the California Institute of the Arts in Los Angeles. Today
there is an endowed music scholarship there in his name.
"Rajeev Taranath's sarod improvisations mixed the spiritual and the
spirited...the raga began with introspective meditation and proceeded into an
exuberant rhythmic celebration." - Edward Rothstein, The New York Times
DESCRIPTION:
Indian Classical Instrumental Music
Taught by Rajeev Taranath –Master Sarod exponent
The emphasis in this course is on performance. A theoretical
framework, however, is given in order to help structure the
performance. The theory component includes:
a)
a concept of raga (Indian modal structure)
b)
a concept of tala (rhythmic cycle)
c)
modes of improvisation
d)
detailed practical study/learning of bandishes in two ragas
The method of teaching relies importantly on the student following
(imitating) the teacher as the latter explores and develops a raga
along with the student. Some set compositions are taught as
frameworks within which improvisation takes place.
Pt. Taranath will teach traditional Indian solfeg compositons
(SRGMPDNS) as well as “bandishes”, using Hindi lyrics and
movements which have been handed down orally, some for hundreds
of years. The tabla will also be introduced during this presentation.
Discussion and presentation by Pt. Taranath will involve cultural and
historical aspects of the music and will include his own experiences in
the field as a performer, student and master musician. He will shed
light on the change in Indian classical music in the last 75 years, with
its role within a feudal culture and the contemporary music scene, in
which more may participate but also one in which more commercial
forces may operate.