Discovering Parallels Between Western and Indian Classical Music

The syllables of western classical music vary from those of Indian classical music, yet the vibration they produce is same, as does the melody they produce.

Purists of classical music would be certain about the glaring contrasts between western and Indian classical music. However, it is not impossible to bring these two disparate musical offsprings together.

If it were the true, there would not have been as many performances including Saraswati veena and Hindustani sitar performed in tandem with violin, double bass, and clarinet.

So, what characteristics bring western classical music closer to its Indian cousin, and what elements put it apart? Let us discover out…

Western and Indian Classical Music Origins
Classical Indian Music – The oldest mention of music in India is found in Vedic literature and is thought to have happened before 500 BCE. The majority of the early texts were written in couplets, indicating a practise and culture of rhythmic recitation.

The majority of ancient Indian texts were passed down to future generations via oral recitals. Classical music in India has evolved in the same way. The pupils were taught verbally by the early instructors of Indian classical music. Even today, lessons in Indian classical music are taught in the same way.

The wonderful thing about Indian classical music is that while it has been handed down through centuries, it has only been strengthened by improvisation and participation from new practitioners. Documentation, categorization, and refining occurred in the years that followed, and it is still developing.

Western Classical Music – Beginning with plainchants in the Roman Catholic Church throughout the Medieval times, western classical music was advanced by the French poet-musicians Troubadour and Trouveres, who set their poetry to music.

Western classical music evolved through time, from monophonic religious songs and chants spoken in churches to courtly love given as a subject by troubadours, to refinements in rhythms, pitches, and being accompanied by instruments.

Over time, many performers and instruments joined in, contributed, and grew alongside the pitches and chords. Polyphonic compositions first appeared in the tenth and eleventh century.

Following that, when opera and orchestras began to be produced, western classical music thrived even more. As a result, both vocal and instrumental music evolved throughout time, and the process continues to this day.

The Parallels
While both traditions originated in countries thousands of miles away and have various distinguishing elements that define them unique, the two ancient musical traditions share some characteristics.