About the Book

A REVISED, EXPANDED AND UPDATED EDITION FROM ACCLAIMED MUSICIANS, L. SUBRAMANIAM AND VIJI SUBRAMANIAM.
Indian classical music is the oldest, most sophisticated and scientifically complete musical system in the world. Its two major streams—the south Indian (Carnatic) and the north Indian (Hindustani)—share common origins and were part of a single tradition until the thirteenth century. L. Subramaniam, one of the best-known classical musicians of our age, and the late and highly celebrated vocalist Viji Subramaniam examine the origins, history, structure and spirit of this system in this book.
Classical Music of India discusses in depth the melodic and rhythmic aspects of both Carnatic and Hindustani, briefly comparing these concepts with the classical music of Europe. There is a lucid comparison of the two Indian forms, an examination of instruments integral to them and a re-examination of fundamental concepts. An expanded, revised and updated reissue of the classic Euphony, this work is a definitive appraisal of Indian classical music. It is an essential addition to the library of any serious music lover, whether steeped in the music of India or new to it.

About the Authors

Dr L. Subramaniam is India’s violin icon and the creator of the Global Fusion concept. He has recorded and collaborated with musicians across staggeringly diverse genres. A force that is strongly Indian but universal in nature and approach, Subramaniam is the founder-director of the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival (LGMF), the Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts (SaPa) and the Lakshminarayana Global Centre of Excellence (LGCE). He has received several awards and honours, including the Padma Bhushan and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

Viji Subramaniam, also known as Vijayashree Subramaniam, was an award-winning vocalist, composer, author and multilinguist. She collaborated with L. Subramaniam on many projects. She also sang for Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay! and Mississippi Masala. In 1992, Viji, along with L. Subraminam, launched the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival (LGMF) in memory of Professor V. Lakshminarayana, her father-in-law. She died in February 1995 after a long battle with cancer.