One of my oldest article/opinion pieces:
First things first, Carnatic music does not kill, despite what many detractors have claimed. Granted, to the unskilled ear it may sound like someone screaming randomly and for no apparent reason but this music transcends understanding. It is an art that takes years to perfect. I admit, once again to the unskilled ear, there may be no difference between a professional singer and the random neurotic outbursts of an OCD patient but that can't be helped. People have their own opinions about this specific branch of music. While some call it cacophony, others derive pleasure from its mere mention. To each his own, as people say. Note that I have said 'his' own. Fifty years ago, this would have been apt since music was seen as a purely male dominated arena, as to conform with society. Women were forbidden to practise it as it was considered too high a status for them. Funny, seeing how every single raga has a female name! I guess only die-hard fans could bear such inequity. But times have changed and as the relentless tides of change progress, sanity and equality has been restored to Carnatic music. It has been shown that no matter what music has evolved into now, the basics that govern Carnatic music govern it too. So the next time you turn your nose up to this 'cacophony' as you call it, remember that it permeates through your music too.
First things first, Carnatic music does not kill, despite what many detractors have claimed. Granted, to the unskilled ear it may sound like someone screaming randomly and for no apparent reason but this music transcends understanding. It is an art that takes years to perfect. I admit, once again to the unskilled ear, there may be no difference between a professional singer and the random neurotic outbursts of an OCD patient but that can't be helped. People have their own opinions about this specific branch of music. While some call it cacophony, others derive pleasure from its mere mention. To each his own, as people say. Note that I have said 'his' own. Fifty years ago, this would have been apt since music was seen as a purely male dominated arena, as to conform with society. Women were forbidden to practise it as it was considered too high a status for them. Funny, seeing how every single raga has a female name! I guess only die-hard fans could bear such inequity. But times have changed and as the relentless tides of change progress, sanity and equality has been restored to Carnatic music. It has been shown that no matter what music has evolved into now, the basics that govern Carnatic music govern it too. So the next time you turn your nose up to this 'cacophony' as you call it, remember that it permeates through your music too.
