250 Years of Hindustani Music

The music of North India has evolved over a thousand years, amidst several socio-political shifts and cultural influences from all around the subcontinent. The shruti (intonation) and laya (tempi) originated in the Vedic Chants (1500-1000 BCE). Dhrupad centred around the song form, and is one of the earliest 'classical music' forms still performed today. In the 18th century, Khayal came about as a response to Dhrupad's austere form, and allowed varied themes—from sacred to secular, romantic, erotic, even patriotic—and provided abundant opportunity for creative self expression.

Evening Programme:
Dhrupad by Mian Tansen (1500-1589 AD) in Raga Brindavani Sarang
Khayals by Sadarang (1670-1748 AD)
verses by Amir Khusrau (1253-1325 AD)
Kabir (1398-1518).

Srivani Jade will narrate, story-tell, sing (to the accompaniment of tanpura and tabla) and is happy to take questions at the end, to amplify and elucidate specific points of interest.

Indian Classical vocalist, composer, and educator Srivani Jade identifies deeply with the Khayal, Thumri and Bhakti traditions of North India. She has performed worldwide, and has eight albums, film and musical scores to her credit. She is a Visiting Artist with University of Washington, and has served numerous teaching and creative residencies in the United States and India. She has received grant support from 4Culture, Center for WA Cultural Traditions and the NEA, to create, record and perform new work. She has served on boards and panels of various arts non-profits in Washington State for over two decades, and is currently the President of Ragamala (est. 1981, www.ragamala.org). Learn more about her work at www.srivanijade.com.