Comment

Comment by shree c k p swamiji on October 8, 2010 at 9:17am

music is peace
peace is wellfare
wellfare is aim
music is must melodious
indian sacred music start sa ri ga ma pa dha ni sa in classical
indian classical vocal as well as insturumental
great glorious melodious richnes of art&belife
devotional songs give us utter happines
music treasure flowing here who are thristy come wellcome
little amount of songs fullfill in your ideal mind

jain music started thirthanker adinath& gandharva's
heven lord devendra

also read -----Raga audio clip -- Listen to Indian Classical Music now!
Windows Media player clip
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Realplayer clip
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(Excerpts taken from "Roop Verma Live" CD)
**For more soundclips, please visit the online store**
Recommended
Indian Classical Music (Raga) Recordings:
(with soundclips)

Roop Verma Live
(CD)


Chetna
(CD/Cassette)


Inner Pilgrimage
(Cassette)


In Concert
(Cassette)


Awakening
(Cassette)


Salutations
(Cassette)

New Dimensions
(Cassette) Indian Classical Music originated in the ancient Vedic times. The four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva) are the Indian sacred books of knowledge from antiquity. Although the knowledge was in written form, to protect its purity, it was first transmitted orally to a select few. In earlier times, people chanted hymns of the Vedas in religious ceremonies, rites and rituals and sang about the glory of the Gods. These practices were very instrumental in strengthening the religious feelings of the people and arousing their creativity through singing and dancing.

Over the millenniums, Indian Classical Music underwent many phases of development before it was classified into its present form. It began with one note, and gradually expanded to three notes, seven notes, twelve notes, 22 and finally 66 smaller units of sound (microtones), which evolved into the present 72 scale principle. The intervals of tones thus derived were based on the natural laws of harmony and were minutely observed for their interactions with other tones and their effects on the human mind. Such observations and research gave rise to a musical system that recognizes and practices music not only as an art form, but as a psycho-physiological process of transformation.

Indian Classical Music is uniquely equipped with melodic forms called “Ragas,” through which the artist expresses different moods. “Raga” means melody. It is the very heart of Indian Classical Music, the melodic form in which the artist improvises and expresses, in almost infinite ways, different sentiments and moods.

The theme of a Raga is expanded through a complex process of micro-tonal coloration, ornamentation of notes and intricate rhythms. Purity of intonation is extremely important to maintain the spiritual and emotional contents of a Raga so as to access the inner layers of the listener's mind.

What is so fascinating about music based on ragas is that it creates sounds closer to nature. A Raga has two important notes in each tetrachord (half octave). These two notes are highlighted in a specific manner, along with their interplay with the other notes and the basic tonic note, to create the essential mood of the Raga. Each Raga has a specific ascending and descending pattern and characteristic phrase, which help establish the basic structure of its theme before it is improvised upon.

Improvisation plays the most vital role in the elaboration of a Raga, always enhancing the mood, and then striving to fulfill and resolve it. Improvisation is like composing in front of the audience, and it is therefore very fresh and lively, just like life, and provides many possibilities for a truly creative artist.

Indian classical music concerts usually consist of small ensembles of musicians; a principle singer or instrumentalist accompanied by Tabla (drum) and Tamboura (drone instrument) players. The artist improvises within the structure of the Raga, starting with a slow introduction and progressing to dynamic and energetic improvisation that develops the mood of the Raga to a level of great musical ecstasy.

Comment by Wendy Girl on September 16, 2010 at 10:24am

I'd love to join this group so interested in sacred music. Will that make me part of the one cord?

Comment by Judith Bruni on April 11, 2010 at 12:49am

One of my favourite pieces of music is the Miserere ( can't remember the composer), in which most of the song is plainchant, then the notes soar up in the chorus. It has the effect of expanding consciousness and causes a shiver too. It represents everything that was good about the building and use of the cathedrals of Europe, of the knowledge and the spirit.
I also like the music of Tim Wheater.

Comment by Deirdre Pulgram Arthen on January 28, 2010 at 8:02am

The Sacred Music concert at the Parliament is always a highlight for me (pity this year's has so many issues) because it is where I can feel the essence of some of the great variety of who we are - all in one place at one time. I find real joy in that diversity of expression, with the music and dance themselves bringing us all closer to an understanding of the depth of each others paths.

This year at the Parliament I made an effort to get to see some of the smaller performances as well and was happily surprised at the quality and breadth of what was offered. I experienced more than art as the individuals and groups performed - I understood them a little more, not from an intellectual place, but within my heart.

I have found this to be true not only at the Parliament but also at smaller, more local interfaith concerts -- whether for seasonal celebrations or for fundraisers or for environmental causes -- this kind of musical sharing can build community across traditional lines and strengthen us all.

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