Significance of Compositional Forms in Hindustani Classical Music

The present book deals with the Significance of Compositional Form in Hindustani Classical Music. Beginning with the simple chanting of Vedic hymns, Indian music has passed through different stages of development, taking different shapes and forms at different times. The book traces the evolution of compositional forms and shows how our musical traditions, inspite of the several modifications and adjustments during the course of the centuries, have been maintained in essence throughout. Development of forms and styles like Geeti, Prabandha, Dhrupad, Khyal etc., have been discussed in details. The importance of oral tradition in Hindustani classical music and the role of Gharana in the development of Hindustani music have been dealt with details. An attempt has been made to analyse the purpose the compositions serve and how the traditional forms are helpful in the formation of Lakshana of the Raga have been dealt with details. Different kinds of delieations and improvisations have been illustrated with examples of compositions. The book provides interesting reading on the musicians cum great composers of the past and present and their unique styles of composing. The treatment of the subject in the book throughout is informative and educative.