Indian Classical Music And Sikh Kirtan
by Gobind Singh Mansukhani (M.A., LL.B, Ph.D.) © 1982
Present Trends
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by Gobind Singh Mansukhani (M.A., LL.B, Ph.D.) © 1982
Present Trends
Indian Classical Music And Sikh Kirtan by Gobind Singh Mansukhani (M.A., LL.B, Ph.D.) © 1982 Present Trends |
| Present Trends Kirtan is becoming more popular day by day, particularly among the Sikh Youth. Kirtan classes have been started by some Gurdwaras and organisation. However, with the democratisation of kiran, the quality of training and performance will have to be watched and improved. Television and radio programmes in devotional music seem to discourage and radio programmes in devotional music seem to discourage the traditional modes of singing, with the result that ancient melodies are dying out. Besides, most of the present-day ragis know very little about the grammar and technique of Hindustani music. Moreover, the performance of kirtan by American Sikhs who have a knowledge of Western music has led to a new type of Kirtan-the performance of hymns and Khalsa songs with string band music possessing a new and resonant melody. These experiments are likely to enrich the repertoire of Sikh sacred music. The ‘internationalisation’ of kirtan and its performance in Indian and Western styles-though distinct and separate-may perhaps result, in due course of time in an amalgam of the two types. It is earnestly hoped that research in Granthian Kirtan would attract the attention of teachers of music and musicologists, so that its technique and methodology may be fully explored and appreciated. The future seems to be full of promise and surprise. |