Classical Arts

Hindustani Classical Music Hindustani 

Classical Music is one of the two distinct schools of Indian Classical Music practiced mainly in North India. Although Hindustani music is primarily based on elements of ancient Vedic tradition, It has been heavily influenced by Persian, Arab and Afghan elements which have added a new dimension to Hindustani music. It is based on the Raga system. Hindustani Music is vocal-centric. There are ten main styles of singing in Hindustani music like the Dhrupad, Khayal, Tappa, Chaturanga, Tarana, Sargam, Thumri and Ragasagar, Hori and Dhamar. Although Hindustani classical music is focused on vocal performance, a number of musical instruments are also strongly associated. There are some purely instrumental forms of performances, such as the theme with variations known as gat. The most prominent instruments are the sitar, sarod, violin, sarangi, flute, shehnai, harmonium, santoor etc. SPIC MACAY organizes concerts, lecture-demonstrations and workshops with many eminent Hindustani Classical Music gurus in different schools, and colleges.

Carnatic Classical Music 

Carnatic classical music is one of the main distinct school of Indian Classical Music practiced mainly in South India. The musical concepts of carnatic music (including swara, raga and tala) is based at several ancient works, particularly Bharat’s Natya Shashtra and Silappadhikaram by Ilango Adigal. Carnatic music remained relatively unaffected by Persian and Arabic influences. It is taught and learned through compositions, which encode many intricate musical details, also providing scope for free improvisation. Nearly every rendition of a Carnatic music composition is different and unique as it embodies elements of the composer's vision, as well as the musician's interpretation. The main emphasis in Carnatic music is on vocal music; most compositions are written to be sung, and even when played on instruments, they are meant to be performed in a singing style (known as gayaki). The most prominent instruments of Carnatic music are Violin, Veena, Mandolin, Flute, Mridangam etc. SPIC MACAY brings the living legends of Carnatic music to the youth through various concerts, lecture-demonstrations and workshops.