Tonight SVYM arranged for a private, classical Indian music concert for all of the students from Cornell, the University of Iowa and Mt. Allison University currently studying at their Vivekananda Institute of Indian Studies. We had the privilege of having world-renowned classical violinists and percussionists first explain the history and art of Indian classical music, followed by a breathtaking concert. Outside of church (and once last summer in a Sikh gurdwara), I have never listened to music that was so spiritual, moving and emotive. Words can't ever convey the energy, passion and talent that these musicians shared with us this evening. We all left completely energized and unable to enunciate what we had just experienced.
There are two main streams of Indian classical music, Hindu classical music (more prevalent in North India) and Carnatic classical music (more prevalent in South India), both of which have been performed for the past 1500 years. Traditionally, Carnatic classical music does not involve violins, as they were only introduced approximately 200 years ago when the British governed India. However, the violin has been adapted for use in Indian music - violinists sit cross-legged with the violin perched between their shoulder and right ankle, providing sufficient stability for the constant vibrato and slides used in their music. Watching the Mysore Brothers (the name of the violinist duet) perform was so amazing - I felt myself smiling throughout the entire concert.
The percussionists - one on a drum, the other on a traditional clay pot instrument - were the most entertaining. They were so expressive - their faces scrunched with their eyes bulged and unblinking as their bodies seized when they pounded their instruments. It was phenomenal.
There are two main streams of Indian classical music, Hindu classical music (more prevalent in North India) and Carnatic classical music (more prevalent in South India), both of which have been performed for the past 1500 years. Traditionally, Carnatic classical music does not involve violins, as they were only introduced approximately 200 years ago when the British governed India. However, the violin has been adapted for use in Indian music - violinists sit cross-legged with the violin perched between their shoulder and right ankle, providing sufficient stability for the constant vibrato and slides used in their music. Watching the Mysore Brothers (the name of the violinist duet) perform was so amazing - I felt myself smiling throughout the entire concert.
The percussionists - one on a drum, the other on a traditional clay pot instrument - were the most entertaining. They were so expressive - their faces scrunched with their eyes bulged and unblinking as their bodies seized when they pounded their instruments. It was phenomenal.
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