HANDOUTS FOR MUSIC 3RD QUARTER
MUSIC OF INDIA, ISRAEL AND PAKISTAN
MUSIC OF SOUTH ASIA – INDIA
Largest country in South Asia
Indian music remains fundamental to the lives of the people in India a source of spiritual, inspiration,
cultural expression and entertainment.
Vocal Music Characteristic of Traditional Music of India
Melismatic – singing with 1. Carnatic Music
nasal vocal quality Refers to music from south India
Samagana – style of Directed to Hindu God which is why it is also called “temple music”
singing developed into Carnatic are unified
strong and diverse Music pieces are mainly set for the voice and with lyrics
tradition. Composition called “krti” are devotional songs
Vedas – Canonical sacred 2. Hindustani Music
texts of Hinduism Developed in the 13th and 14th centuries AD with Persian influences and
Sama Veda – a sacred from existing religious and folk music
text, were sung as Found in northern and central regions of India
samagana and not Influence by ancient Hindu musical traditions, historical Vedic Religion,
chanted native Indian sound
Rig Veda – first among Nasal singing is observed in their vocal music
the four Vedas and also In north India, the most common style of singing is called “khyal” which
sung in Samagana style means Imagination
Classification of Musical Instruments from India EXAMPLE INSTRUMENTS
1. Ghan – non-membranous percussive 1. GHATAM
instrument but with solid resonators. It is one 2. KARTA
of the oldest classes of instruments. It may 3. MANJIRA
also be a melodic instrument to keep “tal”.
2. Avanaddh – membranous percussive 1. DAF/ DUF
instrument. It is typically comprise the drums 2. TABLA
3. DHOL
3. Sushir – also known as “blown air”. It is 1. SHEHNAI
characterized by the use of air to excite the 2. SHANKH
various resonators 3. SURPETI
4. Tat – intruments of this class are plucked 1. SITAR
stringed instruments 2. EKTAR
3. RABAB
5. Vitat – bowed stringed instruments 1. BANAM
2. ESRAJ
3. SARANGI
Rhythm plays an important role in Indian music. It is fundamental to the creation of any musical system.
Tala – means clap variously translated as “tal” “Taal” or “taala”. It is a regular, repeating rhythmic phrase,
particularly as rendered on a percussive instrument with an ebb and flow of various intonations
represented as a “theka”. It is common to Indian system of rhythm.
Theka – sequence of drums syllables patterns of rhythm. Both Carnatic and Hindustani music used Theka.
MUSIC OF CENTRAL ASIA – PAKISTAN
Pakistan is known for its unique vocals.
Pakistani sound was formed with multiple influences from South Asia, Central Asia, Persia, Turkey and
Arab world.
Pakistan is known for its two vocal styles in singing.
Vocal Music of Pakistan
1.Ghazal 2. Qawwali
traditional expression of love, separation and loneliness Devotional music of Christi Order
Structural requirements are more strict than those of most Vibranmt musical tradion that
poetic form stretches back more than 700 years
It is considered to be one of the principal poetic forms in Originally performed mainly in Sufi
Persian Civilization Shrine
Can be sung by both men and women
Instrumental Music of Pakistan
Punjabi music strengthens the importance of musical instruments in Pakistan.
Punjab is a region in South Asia which is divide into West Punjab (Pakistan) and West Punjab (India).
Bhangra is one of the most recognized forms of Punjab that is based on the drum rhythm of Dhol.
Significant Instrument of Pakistan
1. Tabla 2. Dholak (Dhol) 3. Rubab (Rabab)
MUSIC OF WEST ASIA – ISRAEL
In general the music of West Asia is Modal.
Harmony is not emphasized but melodic complexity and ornamentation like rigorous rhythmic
development is present.
Asian music is commonly used in Communal Worship (Mosque, Synagogue and church), Mystic Rituals
(Sufis and Hassidic), Life passage events ( weddings, anniversaries, bar mitzvas and bat mitzvas) and
entertainment ( belly and folk dancing).
Vocal Music of Israel (2 divisions of Jewish Music)
1. Devotional 2.Secular
Almost entirely vocal Instruments and voice are used
Featured during Sabbath and other holy days Played during life passage events
The art of Hazan is always evident in the culture Context lies outside religious domain
Shofar is a special call to prayer and repentance (it is Very rhythmic and have popular and
sounded during high holidays such as Jewish New romantic texts
Year and Day of Atonement)
Significant instruments of Israel
JEWISH LYRE PSALTERION SHOFAR
Important Terms
1. Jew/Jews – someone who follows Judaism
2. Judaism – is a religion most of the Israelites follow
3. Synagogue – Church or Jewish house of prayer
4. Hazan - Official of Jewish Syngogue or leader of prayer
5. Bar Mitzvas – Male Baptism
6. Bat Mitzvas – Female Baptism
7. Hassidic – Jewish devotional tradition
