INTRODUCTION TO THE CLASSICAL MUSIC OF NORTH INDIA: Vol. 1
The music of the Baba Allauddin Gharana as taught by Ali Akbar Khan at the Ali Akbar College of Music
Ali Akbar Khan, general editor
George Ruckert, notation and explanatory text
” This book is more than lessons. It is a primer for all who would want to know not only about the music, but also of the elements in the process, from the performer to the instruments, to audience and concert behavior. It is an excellent introduction to Indian classical music. For us to have this primary source of Khansahib is an incredibly wonderful opportunity.”
Bonnie C. Wade, author of The Music of India: the Classical Traditions and Khyal: Creativity within North India’s Classical Music Tradition
Ali Akbar Khan is a composer, educator and internationally renowned performer of the classical music of North India on the twenty-five stringed plucked lute, the sarod. Founder of centers of learning in India, the United States and Europe, he is the recent recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship for distinguished achievement in his service to music. Today he lives with his wife, Mary Johnson Khan, and family in Marin, California, and teaches at the Ali Akbar College of Music in San Rafael. He spends three months of the year performing and teaching in Europe, India and throughout the world.
George Ruckert has been a disciple of Ali Akbar Khan for nearly twenty-five years, learning the sarod, violin, and vocal music. He helped found the Ali Akbar College of Music in California and served for many years as an instructor and administrator. Also a teacher and performer of western music, he is especially qualified to convey the music and teachings of his mentor. Mr. Ruckert holds a PhD degree in ethnomusicology from the University of California at Berkeley and presently teaches Indian classical music, world music and western music at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Contents Include:
* 80 compositions, 150 pages of music
* 10 ragas from the basic scales
* Full explanation of notation
* Description of talas with drum patterns
* Vocal and instrumental music
* Complete list of exercises
* Complete explanation of raga theory
* History of the music of India
* Explanation of musical forms
* Introduction to Indian languages
* Description of cultural patterns
* Full glossary and index