CLASSICAL MUSIC OF INDIA (REVISED AND UPDATED EDITION)

CLASSICAL MUSIC OF INDIA (REVISED AND UPDATED EDITION)

Classical Music of India is a comprehensive exploration of one of the world’s oldest and most sophisticated musical traditions. Written by acclaimed musicians Dr L. Subramaniam and Viji Subramaniam, this revised and expanded edition offers deep insights into the origins, history, structure and spirit of Indian classical music.

📖 About the Book

Indian classical music represents a highly evolved and scientifically structured musical system with two major traditions—Carnatic music of South India and Hindustani music of North India. These traditions share common roots and remained part of a unified musical heritage until the thirteenth century.

In this book, L. Subramaniam and Viji Subramaniam examine the development, philosophy and technical foundations of Indian classical music. They explore the melodic and rhythmic structures of both Carnatic and Hindustani traditions while drawing comparisons with classical music from Europe.

The book provides a clear understanding of important musical concepts, the role of traditional instruments and the similarities and differences between India’s two great classical systems. It serves as both an introduction for newcomers and a detailed reference for serious music enthusiasts.

A revised, expanded and updated edition of the classic Euphony, this work stands as a definitive study of Indian classical music and an essential addition to the collection of anyone passionate about music, culture and artistic traditions.

✨ Key Highlights

• A detailed introduction to the history and evolution of Indian classical music.
• Explores both Carnatic and Hindustani musical traditions.
• Explains concepts of melody, rhythm, instruments and musical structure.
• Includes comparisons between Indian and European classical music systems.
• Written by two internationally celebrated musicians and experts.
• A valuable resource for music lovers, students and researchers.

✍️ About the Authors

Dr L. Subramaniam is one of India’s most celebrated violinists and a pioneer of the Global Fusion concept. Known for blending Indian classical traditions with international musical influences, he has collaborated with artists across diverse genres worldwide.

He is the founder-director of the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival (LGMF), Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts (SaPa) and the Lakshminarayana Global Centre of Excellence (LGCE). His contributions to music have been recognised with prestigious honours including the Padma Bhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

Viji Subramaniam, also known as Vijayashree Subramaniam, was an award-winning vocalist, composer, author and multilingual artist. She collaborated with L. Subramaniam on several musical projects and contributed significantly to the promotion of Indian classical music.

Viji also lent her voice to acclaimed films including Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay! and Mississippi Masala. In 1992, she and L. Subramaniam established the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival (LGMF) in memory of Professor V. Lakshminarayana. She passed away in February 1995 after a long battle with cancer.

📚 Why Read This Book?

Classical Music of India is an essential guide for anyone who wishes to understand the depth, beauty and complexity of Indian classical music. Combining scholarly knowledge with the experience of legendary performers, this book offers a fascinating journey through India’s musical heritage and timeless traditions.