An Introduction to Hindustani Classical Music: A Beginners Guide: A Guidebook for Beginners

by Vijay Prakash Singha

An Introduction to Hindustani Classical Music: A Guidebook for Beginners is Vijay Singha's comprehensive guide to savour and appreciate classical music. Written in a simple and easy-to-comprehend style, this book delves into the understanding of raga sangeet, semi-classical and fusion music, raga sangeet in Hindi films, as well as the future of classical music in India.

Genres: Music

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Siddharood · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a good book to start understanding Hindustani classical music. It covers history and evolvement of Hindustani classical music both vocal and instrumental, different gharanas but mainly focuses on khayal gaayki, understanding the structure and basics of khayal gaayki. It sheds light on how and where to start to become a good and learnt listener. Overall this book is a good starting point to understanding Hindustani classical music.

[Mukesh Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

[4.5*]
A short, but rich in detail account of the essential elements of the great Hindustani music along with mentions of its history and evolution into the present form. Very educative and provides some more reference and standing to a beginner 'rasik' who is in the initial stages of appreciating Hindustani music ( particularly Khayal gayaki ). Though can be informative for a seasoned music lover too for its historical content. All aspects, including semi classical forms like Thumri and Ghazals have been discussed in detail along with the more 'classical' Khayal gaayaki, instrumental bandishes and the importance of taals. And in spite of such heavy material it was a breezy read and gave a list of 'recommended albums' at the end along with complete progression stages! What more can one ask for ? :)
Recommended for Uninitiated and seasoned rasiks alike.

[Prabhat Gusain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hindustani classical music is not meant to be popular. No classical system is, in any discipline, anywhere in the world. Such systems follow long-established traditions of classical antiquity and are intended to be of permanent, rather than ephemeral value. One cannot get the feel of the music without first experiencing the 'idea of India'. Indian culture is a kaleidoscope that has often been viewed through the prism of its spiritual philosophy. The term 'religion' is as inadequate to describe this philosophy as is the term 'Hinduism' while referring to Sanatan Dharma, the 'eternal path of righteous living' that the people of India, of all religions, strive to follow, notwithstanding the failure of the nation-state to do so on many counts.

[Anthoney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to Hindustani classical

[Book Pickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well pitched

I had the opportunity to attend several classical Indian music festivals in the last year or so and being an absolute beginner, I wanted to start somewhere to be able to appreciate classical music more deeply. This book presented the perfect introduction.
There was no cognitive overload - it is pitched perfectly well; neither too detailed nor too cursory.
A beginner will certainly find the book useful.

[Girishlal Pudieduth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise, clear introduction to Hindustani music

Concise, clear introduction to Hindustani music from the other side of the concert stage
The best part is the guide to listening