How to listen to indian classical music?

We will discuss to day on – How to listen to indian classical music?

Indian Classical Music: To be a good listener is almost as difficult as to be a good musician. Very few are born with this gift of true listening. It has to be cultivated. Not only can this be done, but it is also one of the most rewarding of endeavors.

How to listen to indian classical music? [ Ustad Rais Khan, Sitarist of Mewati gharana ]
Ustad Rais Khan, Sitarist of Mewati gharana

[ How to listen to indian classical music? ]

In music, however deeply we may be taught its facts and rules, its history and scholarship, there is nothing which can equal experience, a direct contact with music and musicians. And by experience is meant only the ability to listen, to listen widely to all music, to respond to the impulse of song that lies in us and which each of us tries to fulfill in a different way.

We then learn to be more understanding and tolerant, less prone to opinions in our appreciation of music. And finally, we develop a taste for the true and the beautiful and learn to discriminate between the immortal and that which is of passing interest.

Our response to Indian classical music is from within. We listen to it with involvement and attention from the still quietness of our being.

From this experience of listening it is possible not only to understand the outer sound and theory of Raga and all its varied forms but also to obtain a deeper insight into music. We then embark on one of the strangest journeys a man may undertake in his life, at once transforming and subtle, which rewards everyone who undertakes it in his own measure. “In music”, said the Sufi mystic Hazrat Inayat Khan, “no one leaves empty-handed. Everyone gets as much as he can take.”

1. Bhimsen Joshi-Vocal-Raga Puriy

 

षड्जं वदति मयूर ऋषभं गाव एव च ।
अजा वदति गान्धारं क्रौञ्चो वदति मध्यमम् ॥
वसन्तकाले सम्प्राप्ते पिक: कूजति पञ्चमम् ।
धैवतं हेषते वाजी निषादं कुञ्जर: स्वरम् ॥

‘Sa’ is like the cry of the peacock,

‘Re’ like that of the bull.

‘Ga’ is like the bleating of the goat
and ‘Ma’ like the call of the crane,
the cuckoo sings in Spring with the sound of ‘Pa’,
‘Dha’ is like the neighing of the horse
and ‘Ni’ like the trumpeting of the elephant.

 

One thing can be said, everyone has to start from one place. Then you have to be patient. It’s a little hard to get started. But once you get into it, the melody will guide you forward. But not just songs. There are thousands of music stories with music that are equally intriguing.

How to listen to indian classical music? [ Ustad Asad Ali Khan rudra veena player Beenkar gharana ]
Ustad Asad Ali Khan rudra veena player Beenkar gharana
Listen to whatever you like which has a connection to Indian classical ragas, starting from Dhrupad-Kheyal to film music built on raga. Only dhrupad-dhamar may disgust you. Be sure that no serious listener listens to dhrupad-dhamar-kheyal only for the whole day. They also explore some semi-classical or light music for relaxing. Even serious classical artists usually sing a thumri or geet to relax their minds. So, listen to those raga-based compositions which please you most.

Meanwhile, read our articles and try to imagine the framework. Remember, digesting Indian classical music is like exercise. You cant get hold of it at once. It will take time and regular listening. You will discover elements one by one. The pleasure of sudden discovery is also part of the package.

Listen to different compositions, try to find similarities. If you see any similarity, think about that, try to look for related info and related compositions. If you can’t find that at that moment, don’t worry, don’t take the pressure. Be sure that the inner engine started, your soul will drive the rest.

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