Reimagine to Revitalise: New Approaches to Performance Practices Across Cultures

The classical Karnatik music of South India and the art music of seventeenth-century Italy share a common emphasis on vocal ornamentation, which can be explored through an intercultural approach. This research reveals how the fluid movement of musicians from the East contributed to the diversity of musical cultures in early modern Europe and has implications for music performance and education today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 19 August 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The classical Karnatik music of South India holds immense potential to illuminate performers and researchers alike in their understanding of the art music of seventeenth-century Italy, particularly Monteverdi's operas. Both art forms place significant emphasis on the skill of vocal ornamentation, and by examining the practice of singers navigating between these two musical traditions, we can gain valuable insights into how intercultural approaches can redefine the history of Western music from a global perspective. Through the application of methods from historical and comparative musicology, theory, and practice-based research, Charulatha Mani delves into the realm of vocal ornamentation and technique, ultimately developing an innovative approach to studying music from the past.

Musical practice, as the author argues, is an embodiment of hybridity and the artistic outcome of plurality. In the early modern era of Europe, the seamless movement of musicians from the East paved the way for the emergence of diverse musical cultures. This profound discovery holds significant implications for promoting diversity in and decolonizing contemporary music performance and education.

By exploring the interplay between the classical Karnatik music of South India and the art music of seventeenth-century Italy, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of musical traditions that have shaped our world. Through interdisciplinary research and cross-cultural collaborations, we can uncover new perspectives, challenge prevailing narratives, and foster a more inclusive and diverse understanding of music history.

Weight: 148g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108829731