The role of music lies in helping the consciousness uplift itself towards the spiritual heights.
-The Mother
Music deepens the emotions and harmonises them with each other. Between them music, art and poetry are a perfect education for the soul;
-Sri Aurobindo
Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry, released its recently published audiobook, Alaap – A Discovery of Indian Classical Music on 6 September, 2024. This program was followed by music and discussions by several musicians from in and around Puducherry and the event was jointly hosted by AuroPublications and AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry.
The Chairman of the Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry, Shri Pradeep Narang, spoke about the importance of music in relation to Sri Aurobindo and the Mother during the release of the audio book “Alaap.” He emphasized the significance of the “Alaap” project, saying that it is one of the great works that addresses many facets of Indian classical music, like as The Alchemy of Music, the Call of the Swara, Scale explanations, Hindustani music concerts, Raga movements, and musical instruments.
Dr. Tripathy, Member Secretary of AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, spoke at the event and discussed how the Vedas and related knowledge systems are the source and development of Indian musical culture. He discussed the importance of music and how it integrates poetry, art, and music, highlighting Sri Aurobindo’s and the Mother’s vision. He briefly mentioned about the different aspects of classical music, i.e. Hindustani and Carnatic, including improvisation and exploration of all aspects of a raga and short composition-based. According to him, Alaap’s content might be of great assistance in spreading awareness of Indian music through outreach and research projects.
Writer and editor Ms. Gayatri Majumdar of Auro Publications, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry, stated that the goal and tenets of Indian classical music are the same as those of all Indian art. She discussed the several facets of Indian music through these track recordings, which aim to convey both its technical foundation and its profound spiritual quest, citing the periodical “Alaap.” Alaap is the opening section of a raga, and these pieces serve as an introduction to Indian classical music, both Hindustani and Carnatic. This is why the set is named “Alaap – A Discovery of Indian Classical Music.”
Dr. L. Annapoorna, Principal (I/C)), Bharathiar Palkalaikoodam, Government of Puducherry, said that ‘Alapana’ is one of the key components of Carnatic music. She emphasized the raga’s exploration and expression at the opening of the composition, including Kriti and Varnams, as well as the work’s structure, improvisation, and relationship with the accompanists.
On this particular occasion, a number of musicians and scholars, including Ms. Arjita B. Choudhury from SAICE in Puducherry, Ms. Anaanya Gaur from Delhi, Mrs. Buvaneswari G. from SAS in Puducherry, Shantanu Verma from SAICE in Puducherry, faculty members from BPK, Shri S. Suresh Kumar and Shri V S Balamurali, performed lovely Hindustani and Carnatic music, which was followed by a discussion.
Buy Alaap – A Discovery of Indian Classical Music audiobook here.
