What's Hindustani music?
Hindustani music is one of two major forms of classical or art music found in India today, typically finding its representation across the North of India as well as Pakistan and Bangladesh, with the other major form Carnatic music being represented across the South and Sri Lanka. Khayal is one of the primary subgenres of Hindustani vocal music. It represents a confluence of older musical traditions such as Prabandha, Dhrupada, and Qawwali. It developed an identity of its own in the royal courts of India, beginning with the Delhi Sultanate, and culminating at the courts of the Gaekwad kings of Baroda. It is primarily an improvised form, with the song-text providing a basis for spontaneous musical creation within the grammar of the raga (melodic form) and tala (rhythmic cycle). In modern times, Khayal has continued to evolve as one of the many living Indian performing art traditions practiced today.
What will be presented today?
Khayal | Raga Salagvarali Todi
Raga Salagvarali Todi is a relatively new raga, conceived (perhaps rediscovered) by musicologist and vocalist Pandit S.N. Ratanjankar. It is a beautifully haunting melodic form that has the notes Re, Ga, and Ni flattened (komal). Both the compositions are attributed to Pandit S.N. Ratanjankar as well. I have adjusted the second composition to fit into Rupaka from Ektala (a 12-beat rhythmic cycle) as that is better suited to my style of singing.
Song-Text #1: Aja Badhayi Baje | Vilambit Rupaka (slow-paced 7-beat rhythmic cycle) | Pandit S.N. Ratanjankar 'Sujan'
Meaning: Good tidings ring in the home of Nanda today, my dear friend. This is because the darling lord of Braja, Krishna, has taken birth.
His enchanting form pleases the mind. It takes away one's afflictions. Live for years and years, young bachelor Krishna.
Song-Text #2: Sumara Saheba Sulatana-Alama | Druta Tintala (fast-paced 16-beat rhythmic cycle) | Pandit S.N. Ratanjankar 'Sujan'
Meaning: I remember the lord of the universe (Allah), with my faith in the Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya.
I remember the name of the almighty, who protects the world. The master of creation, from whom the universe enacts out. I believe that being to be boundless.
Khayal | Raga Purvi
Raga Purvi is an older raga and is also a progenitor for many other ragas. It contrasts sadness and playfulness with the usage of both the natural (shuddha) and sharpened (tivra) madhyams (the fourth note). It has a twisty nature, leading to many complex and nuanced possibilities of musical phrases and expressions.
Song-Text #1: He Manava Dhyana Dhara | Madhyalaya Tintala (medium-paced 16-beat rhythmic cycle) | Pandit Arijit Mahalanabis
Meaning: Oh my mind - pay attention! Pay attention to your qualities, the good and the bad. Leave behind materiality, attachment, greed, anger. Instead, bathe in the waters of knowledge.
When the sun sets and darkness envelops the world, the world does not forget that colour exists. Nobody can explain this to you. Leave behind hatred, conflict, war, and strife. Swim across the ocean of our manifested existence.
Haveli Pada | Raga Jaijaivanti
Haveli Pada is a type of composition that hails from the Pushtimarga sect - a spiritual tradition centred around the devotional worship of Krishna. In this tradition, Krishna is the manifestation of divine love. A major part of their ritual is to express their devotion through music and dance to the consecrated form of the deity in the temple. These compositions are often depictions of Krishna's appearance, pastimes, and have underlying symbolic significance. The version I know of this Haveli Pada has been composed in a raga called Jaijaivanti.
Song-Text #1: Dhani Rani Jasomati | Madhyalaya Deepchandi (medium-paced 14-beat rhythmic cycle) | Poetry: Sant Paramanandas / Music: Pandit Jasraj
Meaning: The milkmaids of Braj visit the home of the blessed queen Yashoda, foster mother of the god Krishna.
This is their daily austerity which removes all their worries.
They come again and again to look at the one whose mouth resembles a lotus.
They await the breaching of the door (into the heart of Krishna).
Thinking of this they giggle and their hearts are pleased.
All the milkmaids give their blessings to Krishna:
“Live as long as the rivers Ganga and Yamuna”.
You, the master of Paramananda Dasa,
are the lover of your devotees; continually colouring their minds and hearts.
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