Romance of the Raga

by Vijaya Moorthy

The place of the Raga in Indian Classical Music is indeed unique. the Romance of the Raga is an attempt to outline the evolution and perspective, as also the sheer variety and distinct styles, of this powerful and enthralling medium of spiritual and aesthetic form of musical expression. It provides a glimpse into the variety of techniques and styles that are employed for presentation of the Raga and highlights the significant contribution made by some of the shapers of India's musical destiny towards the enrichment of boty the systems: Hindustani and Karnatak. The work also portrays the predominant characteristics of inner dynamism and resilience, as also the unlimited potential, amazing elasticity and the power of assimilation of the Raga, as a medium of creative musical expression. Further, the variety and range of musical instruments and confluence of Indian Classical Music and Miniature Painting have been illustrated with a view to enunciating the all-important aspect of the thematic content of the Raga.