Vocal
The genres of Indian Vocal Music are so diverse that it would be impossible to give examples of all of them. There is however a clear distinction between what is commonly thought of as light vocal and classical vocal. By classical vocal we normally mean those compositions that place priority on the elaboration of the Raga as opposed to the poetry which would be given greater prominence in a lighter piece.
We have put together some short educational material for the listener giving a taste of some of some light as well as classical vocal material..
1 Farida Khanum – Ghazal based on Raga Yaman (Light) - Aj Jaane Ki Zid Na Karo
A Ghazal is a short collection of 2 line pieces known as Sher famously sung in Urdu but which originated in Persia from the longer Nazm. There are many conditions which must be satisfied for a piece to be recognised as a Ghazal. Examples of these are certain rules of meter and rhyming that must be fulfilled. Aside from their wonderful poetry ,the great writers were fully aware of the rules governing Ghazal and have therefore been rightfully acclaimed for their excellence. Among them are Ghalib, Faiz, Mir and Dard.
2 Manna De – Film song based on Raga Darbari (Light) - Jhanak Jhanak Tore Bhaje Payaliya
Film Songs were those songs that were famously sung by playback singers for the Bollywood Film Industry. Among the great singers of the past were Rafi, Manna De, Mukesh, Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar.
3 Lata Mangeshkar – Bhajan based on Raga Hansadvani (Light) - Karam Ki Gati Nyari
A Bhajan is a song traditionally associated with devotion to Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu tradition and the recognised Saints or Sant of the Eastern sub-continent. Whilst Hindu Gods are well documented, Saints include Kabir, Tulsidas, Surdas and Meerabai. Famous singers of this tradition include Anup Jalota, LataMangeshkar and Hari Om Sharan et al.
4 Srimati Kishori Amonkar – Raga Alhaiya Bilaval (Classical) - Chota Khayal Bandish – Kavana Batariya Gay Lo Mahi
In classical music the Raga takes precedence over the poetry of the piece. The piece is deliberately short and allows for maximum elaboration in the Raga by the artist. The common composition today for the elaboration of Raga in vocal music is Khayal (literally thought of idea) of which there are 2 kinds, Bada (long) and Chota (short). Here is the shorter form demonstated by the great Kishori Amonkar. Other great artists in the classical vocal tradition include Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Ustad Amir Khan, Ustad Salamat Ali Khan, Ustad Mallikurjan Mansoor and Pandit Shivputra Komkali.