Euphony (Indian Classical Music)

Euphony is a definitive book on Indian classical music. It deals mainly with the intricacies of the Karnatic form which is known for its strong spiritual content and is one of the most sophisticated, scientifically and logically complete system in several aspects. There is a separate detailed chapter on Hindustani music which, despite sharing the same origins with the Karnatic form, evolved its own peculiarities, largely due to outside influences. There is also a brief comparison between Western and Indian music. The book begins by tracing the history of music, both Karnatic and Hindustani, and outlines the different kinds of musical Instruments that are unique to them. A lucid comparison of the two systems and short biographical sketches of famous karnatic music composers are the highlights of the book.

Drawing on their own experiences as performers, the authors bring to bear their most valuable perceptions on various theoretical and practical aspects of music. The book will appeal to the beginner and the connoisseur alike and will be a worthwhile addition to the library of any serious music lover.

About the Author:

L. Subramaniam is a legend today. A brilliant violinist, he plays Indian classical music in a very individualistic and masterful style. He is also an exceptional composer, with many unique works to his credit in the field of East-West orchestral fusion. Subramaniam gave his first violin performance when he was just Six, by which tender age he was already proficient in vocal music and percussion too.

Trained to be a physician, Subramaniam decided early on that he preferred music to medicine. He also holds a Master's degree in Western classical music. With this unique knowledge of both the Indian and Western classical systems, Subramaniam is able to draw on the best of both. He has created original music works, blending the melodic and rhythmic richness of his native idiom with the contrapuntal and harmonic progressions of Western classical music.

Subramanism's wife, Viji, was herself a highly gifted classical vocalist. She collaborated with her husband in his many recordings of Indian classical music, as also in his East-West fusion compositions.

Preface

Introduction

1. Brief History

2. Notation System

3. Melodic Concept

4. Rhythmic Concept

5. Musical Forms

6. Musical Instruments

7. Hindustani Music

8. Hindustani - Karnatic Comparison

9. Great Composers

Appendix