22 Shrutis Simplified - Chapter 1: In a Nutshell

Summary

In this enlightening video, Sangeeta Shankar introduces the concept of the 22 Shrutis in Indian classical music, a refined system of microtones that enhances musical expression. Drawing from ancient texts like the *Natya Shastra*, she explores the evolution of these Shrutis, their role in creating perfect consonance, and how they shape the identity of ragas. Shankar also contrasts Indian and Western tuning systems, highlighting the limitations of the equal-tempered scale for Indian classical music. Through detailed examples, she shows how Shrutis bring out the unique beauty of ragas, offering a transcendent musical experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script introduces the concept of 22 shrutis in Indian classical music, which are integral to tuning and harmony.
• 😀 Sangeeta Shankar highlights the importance of these shrutis, which expand on the basic seven notes and are essential for perfect consonance in Indian music.
• 😀 The seven basic notes in Indian music are: Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, with certain variants (Komal and Teevra) for some notes.
• 😀 Shrutis are microtonal variations that further expand these notes, allowing for a broader range of expression and perfect consonance in ragas.
• 😀 The 22 shrutis involve variations for each note, creating two options per note (e.g., Komal Re has two options: R1 and R2).
• 😀 The concept of 'consonance' or 'sama' is vital in Indian classical music, emphasizing perfectly tuned intervals for a harmonious sound.
• 😀 Sangeeta Shankar emphasizes that modern equal-tempered tuning used in Western music does not capture the true consonance that the 22 shrutis provide.
• 😀 The script explores how the 22 shrutis are scientifically and mathematically precise, allowing musicians to select the correct tuning for each raga.
• 😀 Ragas are defined by the specific selection of shruti positions, which are determined based on the phrasing of the raga and its mood.
• 😀 By selecting the appropriate shruti for each note in a raga, musicians can achieve a divine and transcendent musical experience that resonates deeply with the listener.

Q & A

What are 22 Shrutis in Indian classical music?

22 Shrutis are microtonal notes that expand beyond the basic seven notes in Indian classical music. They provide additional tonal variations, offering a richer and more nuanced musical experience compared to the standard twelve notes in the Western equal-tempered scale.

How are the 22 Shrutis related to the seven basic notes in Indian music?

The seven basic notes (Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni) are further divided into multiple variants, and these variants give rise to the 22 Shrutis. Each note, except for Sa and Pa, has two variants, either lower (Komal) or higher (Teevra), creating a set of 22 distinct Shruti points.

What is the significance of using Shrutis in raga performances?

Shrutis allow for the precise tuning of each note in a raga, ensuring perfect consonance between the notes. The choice of Shruti in a raga is influenced by its phrasing, which imparts the unique emotional and musical identity of the raga.

What is the difference between the equal-tempered scale and the Shruti-based tuning system?

The equal-tempered scale divides the octave into 12 equal parts, resulting in fixed note positions. In contrast, the Shruti-based system allows for microtonal adjustments that create more harmonic and consonant relationships, which are essential in Indian classical music.

How does the ancient knowledge of Shrutis relate to modern music theory?

Ancient Indian texts on music, such as the Natya Shastra, describe the 22 Shrutis, which were rediscovered and explained by scholars like Dr. V. Raghavan. This knowledge connects ancient music theory with modern understanding, revealing the scientific and mathematical principles behind musical consonance.

What is the role of 'consonance' in Indian classical music?

Consonance refers to the harmonious and pleasing relationship between notes. In Indian classical music, Shrutis are selected to achieve perfect consonance between notes, which is crucial for creating emotionally resonant and musically rich ragas.

Why can't equal-tempered tuning achieve the same consonance as Shruti-based tuning?

Equal-tempered tuning divides the octave into equal steps, which leads to slight imperfections in the alignment of the notes. The Shruti-based system, on the other hand, uses natural ratios to place the notes, resulting in more perfect consonance and harmonic alignment.

What is the relationship between Shrutis and the identity of different ragas?

The specific choice of Shrutis in a raga determines its unique identity. Even if two ragas share the same notes, the different variants of the notes (Shrutis) chosen based on the raga’s phrasing create distinct emotional and musical expressions.

How does the concept of Shrutis impact the choice of notes in a raga?

The choice of notes and their variants (Shrutis) in a raga is guided by the raga's phrasing. The performance of the raga requires precise tuning of these notes to achieve the desired emotional impact and to stay true to the raga’s essence.

What is the difference between the Shrutis used in the ragas Nepali and Deshkar?

While both Nepali and Deshkar share the same set of notes, their identities differ due to the use of different Shrutis. Nepali uses lower variants of certain notes, like Ga and Dha, while Deshkar uses higher variants, giving each raga its distinct sound and emotional effect.