Ritigaula: A Study of Improvisation and Discourse in Indian Music

The book "Rītigaula: A Study in the Theory and Practice of Indian Music" by Harold Powers explores the pitch structure, performance conventions, and treatment of the Indian rāga Rītigaula from the perspective of musical communication and discourse. It discusses Powers' unique approach to theorizing rāga and its connection to language.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book, penned by the esteemed late Princeton music scholar Harold Powers, delves into the intricate world of a single Indian rāga known as Rītigaula. Within its pages, Powers meticulously explores the pitch structure, performance conventions, and historical significance of this musical composition, providing a comprehensive account of its place in Indian music.

Powers' unique approach to theorizing rāga goes beyond mere description, delving into the deeper dimensions of rāga structure and meaning. Through the lens of musical communication and discourse, he examines how rāga communicates emotions and ideas, shedding light on the intricate relationship between music and language.

In this monograph, Powers shares his profound insights about the connection between music and language. He explores how music can evoke linguistic expressions and how rāga, with its unique melodic patterns and tonalities, can convey specific meanings and emotions. He also discusses the role of rāga in cultural and social contexts, highlighting its significance in expressing identity, tradition, and spirituality.

Through his meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Powers offers a fresh perspective on the world of rāga, challenging traditional notions and revealing the rich cultural and linguistic dimensions of this musical form. This book is a valuable resource for music enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring the intricate relationship between music and language.

This captivating book, penned by the esteemed late Princeton music scholar Harold Powers, delves into the intricate world of a single Indian rāga known as Rītigaula. Within its pages, Powers meticulously explores the pitch structure, performance conventions, and historical significance of this musical composition, providing a comprehensive account of its place in Indian music.

Powers' unique approach to theorizing rāga goes beyond mere description, delving into the deeper dimensions of rāga structure and meaning. Through the lens of musical communication and discourse, he examines how rāga communicates emotions and ideas, shedding light on the intricate relationship between music and language.

In this monograph, Powers shares his profound insights about the connection between music and language. He explores how music can evoke linguistic expressions and how rāga, with its unique melodic patterns and tonalities, can convey specific meanings and emotions. He also discusses the role of rāga in cultural and social contexts, highlighting its significance in expressing identity, tradition, and spirituality.

Through his meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Powers offers a fresh perspective on the world of rāga, challenging traditional notions and revealing the rich cultural and linguistic dimensions of this musical form. This book is a valuable resource for music enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring the intricate relationship between music and language.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 160 x 242 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367430016