Music (Sangeet)
Music is a combination of three fine arts: Singing, playing and dancing. You may call it “Triveni”, (combination of three). These three fine arts always work together and can not be separated. One plays the role actively and other two help passively.
“When we express our feelings by the medium of Laya, Taal and Swara (speed, rhythm and notes) it is called Music. Laya (speed) teaches us not to be stagnant in life. Always go ahead in a progressive manner smoothly, Taal (Rhythm) tells us to be disciplined and achieve our goals by finishing the targeted proportions in the equated cycles, Where ever swara (notes) teaches us to remain colorful, cheerful and spread rainbow effects of beautiful smiles on the faces of others.
In another definition “Music is the universal language” in which we express our feelings to others even without the help of language. We (as listener) get into the same Rasa in which another artist (performer) is performing. Music can be classified in to the following forms:
1. Classical: Dhrupad, Dhammar, Khayal.
2. Semi-Classical: Thumri, Dadra, Tappa etc.
3. Light Music: Geet, Ghazal, Kafi, Shabad, Bhajan etc.
4. Folk Music: Folk lore of different community, etc.
Music is the food of soul. Ragas were formed during the ancient periods. Ragas and art of singing is present in all the religions. Kingdom of rigid rulers who did not give importance to music lasted for a short time.
Music fascinates everyone. The art of singing and music has prospered in all the countries of the world, irrespective of any religion. Every human being has a keen ear for music. Ragas accompanied by musical instruments binds human mind.
There were many great singers in our history like Tansen and Baiju Bawra who are remembered even today.
To create music, keeping hold on Ragas is an art which only musicians can perform. To compose and sing a song based on Ragas is the magic of a master of music.
Our musicians have rendered us such compositions which are fresh since centuries. No body knows which musician has composed our folk songs that they are immortal till today. During the marriage season in summers when the night is silent and cool breeze is blowing, if anyone had listened our ancestors singing these songs, only he knows how people used to dace in excitement.
Some songs have traditional tunes like – Varisha’s Heer, Peelu’s Mirza, Kadaryar’s Puran, Hashim’s Sassi and Sadda Ram’s Sohni Mahival etc.
These poems further have different tunes. Poets used to sing these couplets according to their own compositions e.g. ‘Balo – Mahia’ is sung in different styles.
Our musicians have made such compositions which seem fresh and better than new ones. Famous musicians who have given us the best(immortal) compositions are: sh. Gulam Mohommad, Pt. Husan Lal, Bhagat Ram, Naushad, Lakshmikant Pyarelal, Madan Mohan, Ravi Kalyan ji, Anand ji, R.D. Burman, S.D. Burman.