Module 5
- Title of piece: Thumri
- Performer(s): Nina Burmi, Sanju Saha, and Pandit Ramesh Mishra
- Culture of Origin: India
- Instrumentation: Voice, Tabla, and Sarangi
This performance is from the Darbar Festival in London, England which is home to some of India's finest classical music. This piece is an example of improvised Indian classical music. The creativity used in this piece is truly amazing. The intricate melodies that the performer composes in her mind as she is singing are breath-taking. I also find it intersting that the instrumentation (especially the tabla player) is able to echo and copy the improvised melodies sung by Nina Burmi.
This piece would be an excellent showcase for students when teaching about improvisation in the classroom. Campbell points out in her book that "The music section of The National Standards for Arts Education recommends the meeting of two separate standards, improvisation and composition and arrangement, calling for students to create embellishments...(Campbell, 2004, p. 196). This piece would be the perfect example to use to show students how improvisation looks from around the world and possibly even give inspiration for creativity in a young student.
Campbell, P.S. (2004). Teaching music globally: Experiencing music, expressing culture. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Thank you for sharing this, Amanda. While this performance may be improvised, it is even more amazing that it is so cohesive. This is a true testament to the musical knowledge that each of the performers hold. On the topic of improvisation, would you say that the performers maybe had some preconceived notion as to the possible direction that they were going to take? Thank you again for this post.
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful music. Thanks for sharing this. I am amazed at the ability of not only the singer to improvise so fluidly and meaningfully, but also at the accompanist who is able to repeat what she is singing. I think Josh posed a good question by asking if the performers did have some previously composed musical ideas on which they based their performance. I agree with you that this would be a great choice of music to share with students when discussing improvising. Even though the scales which are being used in this music differ from ours (microtones) it is still evident that the pitches all fit together and come from one source (such as the blues scale one might use to improvise in a jazz band).
Hi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteOne of the most impressing elements in this performance is the vocal preparation. Although you are focusing on improvisation, I became perplexed on how she easily sings beautiful trills and straight tone. This performance is an excellent example of how students can understand non-Western vocal techniques. It is important that before implementing a new vocal technique, students should consult with a vocal coach. As a vocal major, this type of technique might be harmful to inexperienced students, especially high school or some college students.