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A review for "the rest of us" by Haresh Bakshi
This is a 162-page original research work on microtones and modal shift of
tonic in Indian music (both North and South Indian) by the
vocalist-researcher-scientist Vidwan Dr. Varadarangan Krishna Iyengar.
Using mathematical approach to interpret the 22-sruti system discussed in
the traditional music literature in Sanskrit. Written in a very simple and
lucid style, the book gives insight into the founding principles on which
the Indian 22-sruti system is based. Further, it thoroughly deals with the
hitherto insufficiently attended subject of the modal shift of tonic.
This work comprises eight chapters. The first chapter deals with some of
the more important of the vast number of technical terms used in Indian
music: nada, swara, sruti, adhaara shadja, sthayi, swara-sthaanas, janaka
ragas, janya ragas, gamakas etc. The second chapter deals with the concept
of the modal shift of tonic. This includes the cyclic sets of the modal
shift of tonic. The third chapter treats of the fundamental properties of
srutis. It starts with the cycles of the fifths and the fourths, and goes
on to analytical derivation of twenty two srutis. It ends with the
treatment of vadi, samvadi, anuvadi and vivadi notes.
In the application of the modal shift of tonic, chapter 4 treats of janaka
ragas, while chapter 5, with swaras. In chapter 6, the topic of the ragas
with their notes strictly arranged in ascending and descending orders, is
dealt with, and the numbering system of these 726 ragas has been
elucidated. Chapter 7 demonstrates the possibilities of application of the
modal shift of tonic to these 726 ragas. The last chapter deals with the
sequential performance of the different ragas arising from the modal shift
of the tonic of a given raga.
The subject matter of the book has been amply supported with a large
number of tables and elaborate appendices. This excellent feature makes
the revision of the subject matter quick and easy.
The book "Srutis and Srutibheda" is highly recommended for all lovers and
performers of South Indian and North Indian music. The work is
mathematical but highly readable, very simple, yet exhaustive.
2003/11/16
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