ii) Compilation of compositions an educational tool

The exposition of a raga becomes easy with the help of compositions based on it. A composition (bandish) contains the essence of a raga within itself. Through different compositions, different phrases of a raga are established. Keeping this fact in mind, ITC-SRA ventured to compile as many bandishes as possible in basic ragas of Hindustani classical music. This serves as an excellent educational tool.

iii) Documentation of Compositions

ITC-SRA has taken up the urgent task of preserving traditional compositions in Hindustani Classical Music. Ageing maestros are recording traditional compositions in audio format to gradually build an invaluable storehouse of compositions, to preserve our priceless heritage. The loss of traditional compositions is what ITC-SRA is thus trying to remedy.

iv) Documentation of Gayakees

ITC-SRA has undertaken the vital task of documenting the styles of the traditional gharanas, and identifying and enumerating individual techniques and motifs. The traditional terms in colloquial dialects, often used in our oral tradition, are goldmines of musical concepts underlying the creation of the rich gayakees.

Abdul Karim Khan Faiyaz Khan

v) Analysis of the Styles of Great Masters

ITC-SRA has set up a panel of musicologists to analyse the music of great 20th century masters, like Faiyyaz Khan, Bade Ghulam Ali Khan and Ameer Khan, and identify the elements, techniques and motifs in their music.

back