Co-relation between Hindustani and Western Music terms

Both the style of music uses very similar theoretical terminology, however the approach and the actual meaning of it is quite different. In this topic, we will discuss about the terms, its significance and the relationship between the two styles.

Notes

There are 12 notes in music as we know it. In Hindustani, these 12 notes are called ‘‘Swaras’’. Now, the 12 notes are divided into two. In western music, the division is known as Natural and Accidental notes whereas in Hindustani, Swaras are divided as Shudh Swaras and Vikrit Swaras. There are 7 natural and 5 accidental notes and similarly, in Hindustani music there are 7 Shudh Swaras and 5 Vikrit Swaras. However, Natural notes are not the same as Shudh Swaras and Accidental notes are not the same as Vikrit Swaras.

Natural notes in western music are all the white keys on a piano, which are A, B, C, D, E, F, G. The accidental notes are referred to the sharp and flat notes which are the black keys on the piano. Shudh swaras are referred to the notes of any major scale, any change in the note in the major scale is due to the introduction of Vikrit Swaras.

Taking best of both

Both styles have a theory that best suits their need and necessity. Hindustani students do a lot of Alankaar practice which goes something like " Sa Re Ga, Re Ga Ma, Ga Ma Pa…". Western vocal students can do the same exercise as "Do Re Mi, Re Mi Fa, Mi Fa So…".

Now if you know your chords, you will know that the major and minor chord is formed of three notes. For example ; C major scale is made up of C E G. In Hindustani the same major scale will be formed by Sa Ga Pa, so when you are singling over C major chord, you should not sing komal ga with it. However you have to start your Sargam starting in C.

Conclusion

So, from above, you can come to conclusion that both Hindustani and Western has same number of notes. But western tells you the pitch through its given notes but Hindustani music theory depends on the Swaras and the pitch is decided later. The basic difference is the influence of the region, Hindustani takes styles from their traditional culture whereas the Western takes up influences from the European countries. 

However, the notes involved are quite similar, only the execution of it is different. So there is not one style which is better, they are just influenced from two different parts of the world and thus can be heard in them. So, as a musician you should research as much as you can on both the styles and use the favourite techniques from both the styles.

BlueTimbre is a unique Music Company that provides Music Education and  Recording Studio services. BlueTimbre also works with schools to provide end-to-end Music Education solutions for schools. 

The BlueTimbre team comes with decades of cumulative experience in running Structured Businesses, Music Curriculum Development, Music Education and Performance.

4 Great Artists you should know as a Hindustani Vocal Student

As a musician, everyone should look up to an idol. Take inspiration and ideas from them to grow as a musician. In this blog, we will learn about some Hindustani Greats and why you should look them up especially if you are a Hindustani Vocal Student.

1. Bhimshen Joshi

A legend in the field of Hindustani classical music, he has earned the respect and admiration not just of his fans but that of his critics as well. He is well known for his work in Khayal, a form of Hindustani classical. His ‘bhajans’, which were usually sung in Kannada, Hindi and Marathi languages. Bhimsen Joshi was known for his presentation of devotional music. He was adored by his fans for his amazing renditions, intelligent improvisations and for his unique onstage presence where he captures his audience with some magical show of his vocal skills. His most memorable performance that is recalled by his fans even today is the song ‘Mile Sur Mera Tumhara’.Joshi provided vocals for several movies. In 2008, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna (India’s highest civilian honour).

2. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

He is a very well-known musician around the world, primarily a singer of Qawwali, a form of Sufi Islamic devotional music. He is widely considered as one of the greatest voices ever recorded. He possessed an extraordinary range of vocal abilities and an extraordinary stage presence that has the capability to lift your hearts. He could perform at a high level of intensity for several hours and a master of improvisation. Due to his dedication and passion for music, Khan was also known as the ‘Shahanshah-e-Qawwali’, meaning ‘The King of Kings of Qawwali’. Some of his memorable works are ‘‘Mere Rashke Kamar’’, ‘‘Mere Piya Ghar Aaya’’, ‘‘Afreen Afreen’’.

3. Shankar Mahadevan

Shankar Mahadevan is a Tamil-Indian singer and music composer. He gained fame for his album entitled Breathless. An accomplished musician in Tamil cinema, he is a part of the Shankar Ehsaan Loy trio team that provides music to Bollywood films. He learned Hindustani classical and Carnatic music as a child, and began playing the Veena at the age of five. He has contributed a lot in the Bollywood and his genius use of Hindustani classical nuances along with modern elements, he is certainly unique as an artist. Some of his famous works ‘Dil Chahta Hai’, ‘ Mitwa’, ‘Aasman ke Paar’.

4. Javed Bashir

He is a talented vocalist from Pakistan who is known as master of Hindustani Classical Music. His official training for the singing form Qawwali began from 1992 with his father Ustaad Bashir Ahmed Khan, who himself a well-known Qawwal. He entered the Bollywood through A.R. Rahman’s scored movie Yuva. He was heard in Background Score where he sang Alaaps and Sargams. His lucky break came when Mekaal Hasan of the Mekaal Hasan Band called him on board to join his band. The band's world over famous song "Chal Bulleya" happened in 2009 from the album Saptak in collaboration with the band. He has also worked on a musical project for Indo-Pak peace in collaboration with Shankar Mahadevan.

BlueTimbre is a unique Music Company that provides Music Education and  Recording Studio services. BlueTimbre also works with schools to provide end-to-end Music Education solutions for schools. 

The BlueTimbre team comes with decades of cumulative experience in running Structured Businesses, Music Curriculum Development, Music Education and Performance.