Harmonies in musical traditions

Among the 64 arts in ancient India, music was traditionally accorded the first position.

- NEHA KIRPAL

Few probably know that Indian classical music is the oldest, most sophisticated and scientifically complete musical system in the world.

In this comprehensive book, India's violin icon L. Subramaniam and his late wife, award-winning vocalist Viji Subramaniam, put together the history, structure and evolution of the country's classical music system.

L. Subramaniam's musical journey started at a young age, acquiring a solid foundation of Carnatic music from his father. After completing his Bachelor's degree in medicine, he decided to switch to music at the California Institute of the Arts. During this time, he also taught students from different musical backgrounds. In the 1990s, Subramaniam and his wife Viji put together Euphony, a handy guide to music theory. This book is an updated version, and aims to reach musicians, composers, musicologists and music enthusiasts.

In music, theory generally follows practice. "It is difficult to imagine a theoretical concept being developed before the practical application in any art form," Subramaniam writes. In Hindu philosophy, music is considered a way to attain salvation. For centuries, classical Indian music was traditionally passed down from generation to generation in the oral tradition. It is a generally accepted fact that the Vedas are the source of Indian music. The oldest record of Indian drama, dance and music theory can be found in Natyashastra, an authoritative source for musicology.

Brihaddesi, written by Matanga in Sanskrit, is another important work on music.