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Intrumental Music : | ||
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Instrumental Music occupies an important position in Indian music. The three-fold aspects of "Sangeet" are Vocal Music [Gayan], Instrumental Music [vadan], and Dance [Nritya], and has a very ancient history. Instrumental Music is known as "Vadhya Sangeet". Indian Instruments have either of the three main functions. There is the Melodic Function, there is a Rhythmic Function, and there is the drone for Eg: Sitar is a Melodic Instrument, Tabla is a Rhythmic Instrument, Tanpura is a Drone. The Melodic Instruments follow the vocal styles [Gayaki Ang] and also can played Instrumental Style [Tantrikari Ang] linked to the dynamics of the Instrument. | |
Dynamics is the nature of the loudness of an Instrument meaning the amplitudinal characteristics of the Instrument. Depending on the nature of the instrument for Eg: the Sitar and Flute offer a good illustration. A flute has continuity, therefore there is a steady sound as long as the breath is applied. Since it is possible to sustain a sound for a long time, it is possible to perform all kinds of delicate Meends [Glissando], Gamaks [Ornamentation]. Instruments with a long sustain tend to follow the vocal styles in their presentation. Contrast this to a Sitar with its rapid decay. The sound is essentially inaudible within a few seconds. Hence the Instrumental styles known as: Alap, Jor, Gat and Jhala is played. The Alap is a slow rhythmless elaboration upon the Raag. The Jor is a section that has rhythm but no developed rhythmic cycle (i.e., Tal). The Gat is the fully developed piece, while the Jhala is a fast rhythmic interplay between the drone strings and the main playing strings. | ||
