NAVYA C
Labeling
Music
Good or
Bad?
Living in an expressive world where we label almost
everything we come across-whether thoughts , emotions
or whatever we encounter with, it wouldn’t come as
a surprise to know that music is classified in various
aspects. Depending on the genre, region, style and
language- the classifications of music are unparalleled.
However, we fail to realize that the universal aspect of
music says that the ultimate reality of it is seven notes.
Whether you call them sa, ri ,ga, ma in Carnatic Music or
Do,Re,Mi,Fa in Western Music- the tone is the same. Even
when it comes to tempo, there are different names for it in
different genres. Western Classical Music classifies tempo
in numbers such as 4/4 or 6/8 beat pattern but Hindustani
and Carnatic Music call them with names such as Teen
Taal in Hindustani or Aadi Taalam in Carnatic.
While the musicologists say that labeling is important
to communicate about music on a daily basis, and keeps
things uniform- they also divide the universal aspect
of music. The feeling of limitation that entire music is
confined to only one “superior” genre starts coming into
picture. But is it true? Every music form- whether it is
classical or freestyle speaks of freedom in expressing
one self. Irrespective of the style, a song writer’s
main aim in writing a composition is to enthrall the
audience through his/ her thoughts. But with excessive
labeling of scales, ragas, tempos, and arrangements-
the universality goes off the center somewhere.
There is a popular opinion in Western Classical Music
that says all major scales (the ones with natural
notes) are more pleasing to the ears and used often for
happier occasions when it comes to composing, but
the minor scales (the ones with accidentals, the odd-
sounding notes) are eerie, unpleasant and used mostly
for melancholic occasions. But as art is perceptive, the
minor scales can actually bring out a different light
on the feeling of happiness or delight. In the same
way, the major scale can bring out a sad aspect to the
scenario. Even Carnatic and Hindustani music has been
grounded over such opinions on ragas. For example,
the raaga Shivaranjani is often associated with pathos
and Kalyani is associated with devotion and love.
But many composers such as Maestro Ilaiyaraaja and
R.D.Burman proved it otherwise by experimenting
in such raagas that are not too obvious to labels.
Labeling any art form, not just music in an excess
manner actually limits the unbounded possibilities
it offers to us. While certain terminologies help us to
communicate about music while we talk to other experts,
the learning and understanding of music doesn’t stop
there. When music is seen unbounded and as it is- the
entire perception of it changes dramatically! Let’s
take some time out in this beginning of new decade,
just when the spring season starts – by exploring
music without attaching any labels whatsoever!
The
Score Magazine
highonscore.com
31