Shruti Music
A Brief Overview
Shruti is a system of Indian classical music that emphasizes the importance of pitch, timbre, and tone.
- Shruti is based on the concept of swara, which are the fundamental notes of the Indian musical scale.
- The swara are further divided into three categories: svara, jati, and varna.
- Shruti music is characterized by its complex system of microtones, which are intervals smaller than a semitone.
- The use of Shruti music is deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy and is often used in meditation and spiritual practices.
History of Shruti Music
Shruti music has its roots in ancient India, with evidence of its existence dating back to the Vedic period (1500 BCE - 500 BCE).
- The earliest known texts on Shruti music are the Natya Shastra and the Natya Kosa.
- Shruti music was heavily influenced by the development of Indian classical music during the medieval period.
- The modern system of Shruti music was developed during the 18th century by musicians such as Tyagaraja and Mysore Vasudevachar.