Hindustani Music Today

It deals with genres of raga based vocal music which have been performed over the last five centuries. Dhrupad which has its moorings in devotional music khayal vocalism shaped by Sufi influences the thumree which originated as an accompaniment to the kathak dance and the tappa adapted from the songs of camel drivers in the north west frontier. It takes up the use of instruments in Hindustani music especially the Rudra Veena, Sitar, Surbahar, Sarod, Santoor, the Shehnai, Pakhawaj the Hawaiian Guitar and many others giving an account of their origin performing styles and lineages relating to them.

Throughout the emphasis is on contemporary trends in Hindustani music and its prospects in the future. It mentions the significant practitioners of Hindustani music both vocal and instrumental.

The volume will interest lovers of Indian music and also scholars who want to have a greater understanding of its traditions its contemporary appeal and trends in practice.