Time, space and being in North Indian classical music

Type :

Presentation

Pages :

8 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

09/25/2008

Category :

Philosophy & literature

Sub category :

Literature

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Summary :

Introduction.
The basics.
The fluidity of Indian classical music.
The rhythm.
Rasa, Raga and the experience of Brahman Nada.
The Vedas.
Conclusion.

Abstract

Martin Clayton writes, "the highest aim of our music is to reveal the essence of the universe it reflects" (Clayton 10). To hear north indian classical music is to engage one self in an experience of being in which music becomes an external expression of one's internal self. It reflects a continuous process of repeating transformations that engages both the audience and the musician in a non-verbal dialogue, drawing upon emotion or rasa to offer the experience of bliss and the realization of that which thou art, Brahman. music becomes a process and through this process the seemingly concrete concepts of time, of space and even of one's self become fluid, collapsing within the rising tides of music filling the air. Peter Lavezzoli writes, "indian music at its best can lead to an experience of oneness with a higher power..." (Lavezzoli 42).The fluidity of the music, its constant movement from moment to moment as one note blends into another without distinction or care as to beginnings and endings, of measures, chords, and harmonies, opens the mind of its listener to the seemingly infinite possibilities of one's imagination. The musician and his/her audience as individuals, fade within the unspoken rhythms of the raga, becoming channels through which their music shines - a sound that is and has always been present, the underlying breadth of the universe.