Part I
Music is as primal an instinct as breathing itself. In fact, the breathing, and therefore, in turn life, is a play of rhythm and coordinated cadence. And as civilisations evolved and grew in various parts of the planet, the music simultaneously found expression in countless ways. Vocal music and instrumental music, ensemble of instruments, orchestras, chorus singing – the manifestations were as fascinating and as varied, and as profound and as esoteric as human emotions and instincts.
Western Music became one genre of music that is considered not only as highly evolved but also extra-ordinarily creative and technically superior. Among the various forms of Western music, orchestra became the most popular and pervasive.
Tradition of Orchestra
The tradition of the orchestra can be traced back to Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. The term “orchestra” originally referred to the section in ancient Greek theatres where the chorus would perform, but over time it came to refer to a group of musicians playing together.
One of the earliest examples of an ensemble resembling an orchestra is the court orchestra established by French monarch Louis XIV in the 17th century. This orchestra was composed of strings, winds, and percussion, and played at royal events and ceremonies.
Another key development in the history of the orchestra was the rise of the opera in Italy in the 17th and 18th centuries. Opera orchestras were typically larger and more complex than court orchestras, with a greater emphasis on dramatic effect and the accompaniment of vocal soloists.
During the classical period in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the orchestra underwent significant changes, with the addition of new instruments and the development of a standardised instrumentation. This era also saw the rise of the symphony, a multi-movement orchestral form that became a staple of classical music.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the orchestra continued to evolve and expand in size and scope, with composers experimenting with new sounds and forms. Today, the orchestra remains a vital part of the classical music tradition, and is also used in many other genres, including film and video game scores, pop music, and jazz.
Philharmonic Orchestra
The word “philharmonic” comes from the Greek words “philos” (meaning “loving”) and “harmonia” (meaning “harmony”), and the name was originally used to refer to societies of amateur musicians who came together to make music and share their love of harmony. The tradition of Philharmonic orchestras began in Europe in the early 19th century.
The first professional philharmonic orchestra was the London Philharmonic Society, founded in 1813. It was followed by the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra in 1781, the New York Philharmonic in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic in 1842, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1881.
These orchestras have established their reputations through their outstanding performances, innovative programming, and collaborations with leading composers and soloists. They continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world with their artistry , and passion for music, and their evocative presentation.
The New York Philharmonic Orchestra
The New York Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the oldest and most distinguished orchestras in the world. Founded in 1842, it has since become one of the leading cultural institutions in the United States, with a rich history of musical innovation and excellence.
The orchestra is known for its exceptional performances of classical music, including symphonies, operas, and chamber music, as well as more contemporary works. Its performances are renowned for their precision, energy, and emotional depth, with a focus on showcasing the full range of the orchestra’s capabilities.
Symphony, opera, and chamber music are all genres of classical music, but there are some significant differences between them. Symphony is a large instrumental work for orchestra, opera is a type of musical theatre that combines music and drama, and chamber music is typically played by a small group of musicians in an intimate setting.
Over the years, the New York Philharmonic has produced many outstanding and famous performances, including the premiere of George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” in 1928 and Leonard Bernstein’s 1962 recording of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, which became a classic of the orchestral repertoire. Other notable performances include the orchestra’s collaborations with composer John Adams and the world premiere of John Corigliano’s Symphony No. 1, which won a Pulitzer Prize in 1991.
The New York Philharmonic has also been led by some of the most renowned conductors in history. These include Gustav Mahler, who served as the orchestra’s music director from 1909 to 1911, Arturo Toscanini, who led the orchestra from 1928 to 1936, and Leonard Bernstein, who served as music director from 1958 to 1969. Other notable conductors who have led the orchestra include Pierre Boulez, Zubin Mehta, and Alan Gilbert.
New York Philharmonic Orchestra has come to stay as a treasured cultural institution that continues to push the boundaries of musical excellence and inspire audiences around the world.
Western Classical Music Vs. Indian Classical Music
Another established and ancient music systems is the Indian System of Music, which again has two distinct and elaborate streams, Hindustani and Carnatic. But it has very different and distinct history, structure and style. Western classical music has its roots in the Western European tradition and developed over several centuries, while Indian classical music has a rich history that dates back to ancient times and has evolved over thousands of years.
Western classical music is primarily based on harmony and follows a strict system of musical notation. It is usually structured around a fixed meter, with the emphasis on a regular beat. Indian classical music, on the other hand, is primarily based on melody and rhythm. It follows a system of improvisation and is structured around cyclic rhythmic patterns called talas. The melody translates into Ragas.
Western classical music relies heavily on instruments such as the piano, violin, cello, and trumpet, while Indian classical music is known for its use of instruments like the Tanpura, Sitar, Veena, Tabla, Mridangam, Flute, Sarangi, and many more.
Western classical music is often performed in large concert halls and follows a strict system of notation. Performances are usually focused on the conductor, who leads the orchestra. Indian classical music, on the other hand, is often performed in smaller venues and emphasises the individual performance of the musicians, who are expected to improvise and explore the melodic and rhythmic structures of the music.
Indian classical music places great emphasis on vocals, with many instrumental pieces often following the melody of a vocal composition. In contrast, Western classical music does not typically emphasise vocals to the same extent.
The teaching and training in Indian classical music follow the age old tradition of being passed on by Masters to their disciples and students in small family establishments called Gharana(s). The western music also follows the same practice but are more structured and formal, and often through schools, some of which acquire great reputation and standing.
While there are some similarities between Western and Indian classical music, such as their emphasis on virtuosity and technical skill, they are fundamentally different musical traditions with distinct characteristics and approaches to music-making.
(To Be continued)
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