Description
This book covers the philosophy and history of Indian music clearly and concisely and relates its growth and development to social, cultural, religious and political factors. India’s musical contacts with the East and the West are also examined and their value assessed.
The technical chapters explain the raga and tala systems, the numerous instruments from north and south are described in detail, and the glossary of terms illuminates the subject in an interesting way. Established musicians, composers and musicologists place on record their various achievements.
The Music of India will prove invaluable to the student and specialist who requires a ready handbook on the subject. For the general reader, it contains a mine of information on the music of an entire subcontinent.
About the Author
Reginald Massey, poet, writer and critic has studied Indian music for many years and has written on these subjects for The Times, The Guardian, The Musical Times, Music and Musicians, The Illustrated Weekly of India and other journals. He has written the Indian music entry for Everyman’s Encyclopedia and the Asian dance section for The Encyclopedia of Dance and Ballet.
Jamila Massey, actress and writer, was educated at King’s College, London and now writes children’s stories. Deeply interested and involved in music, she has introduced several Indian musicians and dancers to audiences in the West.
Contents
Foreword by Ravi Shankar
1. The Vedic Heritage
2. Music and Dance in the Temples
3. Many Peoples, many Songs
4. Musical Concourse
5. The Mughals
6. Musical Development
7. The British
8. The Modern Era
9. Indian Music and the West
10. Ragas
11. Talas
12. Music and the Allied Arts
13. Indian Music and the East
14. The Instruments
15. The Musicians
Glossary
Bibliography
Discography
Index
Reviews
I recommend this book to all who wish to be introduced to India’s music, her culture and her peoples.
Ravi Shankar
An excellent publication …
India News
Extremely useful introduction …
International Music Guide
Contains interesting historical information … recommended …
Choice
A very good, authoitative book …
News Weekly
Teachers will recommend this book …
Music Teacher
A good handbook for the the student …
Music & Musicians
Warmly recommended …
Music in Education
Essential reading …
The Stage
