asianmusicproject
Collection of Information and Instructional Materials in Asian Music
India is the largest country in South Asia. Its music is as vast as its geographic location and as large as its demographic population. The music of India reflects different aspects of Asian culture through its timbre, rhythm, melody, texture, form, and style. In general, Indian music remains fundamental to the lives of the people of India as a source of spiritual inspiration, cultural expression, and entertainment.
Rhythm plays an important role in Indian music. It is fundamental to the creation of any musical system. Certainly, from a historical stand point, rhythm existed many centuries ago before the word “rag” was ever used. Given this historical pre-eminence, it is not surprising that rhythm occupies an important position in the Indian system of music.
Tala
- Literally meaning ‘clap;’ variously transliterated as “tal”, “taal” or “taala”
- 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''
- is the common Indian system of rhythm
Theka
- A sequence of drum-syllables or ''bol''
- In Indian classical music, both Hindustani classical music and Carnatic music use complex rules to create elaborate patterns of rhythm
Tabla
- Most common instrument for keeping rhythm in Hindustani music
Music of India
Formerly known as Siam, Thailand is known for being the sole nation in Southeast Asia that has never been ruled by a Western power. It is for this reason that the country is also called “Muang Thai,” which means “Land of the Free.” History and geography indicates that Thai music is a conglomeration of Asian influences. Its musical principles and elements are basically derived from Chinese music, while its musical instruments are inspired from the Indian and Indonesian strings and gong-chimes. The Thais combined and adapted these to their culture and created their own unique music.
Music is theoretically based on the five-tone or seven-tone scale system. It is not only confined to the royal courts but is also used extensively in dance, theatre, and in ceremonies.
Thai folk music consists of simple songs with simple melodic lines. Its main focus in singing is the articulation of the text rather than the style or technique of execution.
Forms, Techniques, Styles and others
