Essay Example on a Passage to Hindustani Classical Music: An Ode to Ravi Shankar and Philip Glass

Introduction

Music has been a phenomenal element in human history production of songs. The music that I identify with is Hindustani classical song that has dated back in the 12th century. The music is very diverse form Carnatic music. As such, "The passages" which is a Hindustani classical music composed by Ravi Shankar and Philip Glass, is my main aim of concern. The song was released in 1990 through the Atlantic records. Considering the composer's background, it clears to state that music was not only a Hindustani classical music but also a minimal classical contemporary style. To get an understanding of the musical elements that have been brought out on "passage" it's important understand the background of Ravi Shankar and also Philip Glass.

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Musical elements brought out in "passages"

In the music "Prashanti" from Passages by Ravi Shankar and Philip Glass" Indian musical element stands out. This component comprises Drone, Tala, and Raga. This musical component provides a sense of originality and typically Indian music culture. These elements appeal to the audience who would like to listen to it more times.

The Drone

Unlike modern western society, Indian music is typically based on the drone. As such, the pitch in the song is continuous throughout the song presented in any concert. The drone makes the commercial appeal for the music hence the connection to the issues of identity and commercialization. These considerations shape the sound of the song by laying out movement of actors.

Raga

This term is not defined in English, hence difficult to grab its conceptual. It is believed to have been built on a specific tone selection of tone. The best way to describe Raga is using terms like generalized music. It is best described to fall in between tune and scale. It is also characterized by a certain mood and particularly design for a certain time of the day.

Tala

In contrast to raga which is a melody-based element, Tala is majorly based on the rhythmic structural component. As I listen to "Prashanti from Passages", I can clearly point out the subdivide beats in the music cycles. The shift in between phase gives a clear consent of melody.

Foreign Musical element as per "Prashanti from Passages" song.

Harmony principle.

At some point of the song, there is the incorporation of harmony. Harmonic principle intertwined in some part of the drone. I could clearly point out this because it should be much continuous pith, but at some points, there are bridges of melody and tune transition.

Other musical influences

Beats

In beats, the pulse is created to form a rhythmic unit of time. Therefore, it would have been better to include in between Tala as a shift between melody circle and beats breaks would bring a more pleasing rhythm.

Tempo

The speed of the beat is what defines the kind of music the song falls into. Therefore, in the song "Prashanti from Passages" the pace would adjust to moderate tempo in purpose to modernize according to modern westernize society.

Overall effect of the musical fusion

Indian musical fusion has long preserved it cultural song tunes and melody. It has benefit factor to a modern global community having a taste of what early society use to produce. To add on that, it also preserves the instruments used to produces this ancient tunes and melodies. Therefore, it made people appreciate their culture.