Carnatic Music: Tradition, Compositions, Influences

Introduction

Carnatic music, rooted in South India, is a classical tradition distinguished by its elaborate compositions, rhythmic complexities, and emotive improvisation. It originated from ancient Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with influences from Sanskrit texts and Dravidian culture.

Different Compositions In Carnatic Music

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Proponents of Carnatic Music

• Annamacharya: He popularly known as Annamayya, was a 15th-century  musician, composer, and a Hindu saint. 
  • He is the earliest known Indian musician to compose songs called samkirtanas. 
  • His devotional samkirtanas were in the praise of Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu. 
  • His compositions are classified as Adhyatma (spiritual) and Sringara (romantic). 
  • He was one of the first few who opposed the social stigma towards the untouchable castes in his era. [UPSC 2018]
• Purandara Dasa (16th century): Known as Pitamaha of Carnatic Music, his compositions were in praise of Lord Krishna. His famous composition is Dasa Sahitya.
• Kshetreyya (17th century): His Telugu padams in praise of Lord Krishna are still sung, particularly in Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi performances. 
• Bhadrachala Ramadasu (17th century): Telugu poet writing in praise of Lord Rama. He was a famous Vaggeyakara (composed lyrics as well as set them to music).
• Venkatamakhin (17th century): He wrote Chaturdandiprakashika in which he introduced the Melakarta system of classifying Ragas.

Flourishing of Carnatic Music

• The works in Carnatic music can be credited to three composers who flourished from 1700 to 1850 AD. 
  • Thyagaraja 
  • Mutthuswami Dikshitar
  • Shyam Shastri 
• Tyagaraja: He composed thousands of devotional compositions, mostly in Telugu and in praise of Rama, the most popular being “Nagumomu”, Pancharatna Kritis, and Utsava Sampradaya Krithis. [UPSC 2018]
• Mutthuswami Dikshitar: Compositions in Sanskrit related to Hindu Gods. He played veena and emphasized the use of ornamentation.
• Shyam Shastri: Oldest in the trinity, his Telugu compositions are in praise of Goddess Kamakshi. He started the Svarjati musical genre.
• Musicians of the 19th Century: Maha Vaidyanath Ayyar, Patnam Subrahmanya Ayyar and Ramnad Srinivasa lyengar. 
• The Sangeeta Sampradaya Pradarsini, written by Subbarama Dikshithar in the year 1904, serves as an authority for information regarding the music, musicians and composers of the previous centuries.

Similarities Between Hindustani and Carnatic Music:

• The evolution of both forms of music was influenced by Vedic tradition as well as Sanskrit language scripts, with common religious and spiritual themes.
• The basic elements of swara, raga and taala serve as the foundation of both.
• Both have Raga as their central notion.
• The melody is the main feature of both styles.

Differences Between Hindustani And Classical Music

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Conclusion

• Carnatic music, with its rich heritage and intricate musical grammar, represents the soul of South Indian culture. 
  • Its profound melodies and spiritual resonance continue to enchant audiences worldwide, ensuring the preservation and celebration of this timeless musical tradition.