Western classical vs. Eastern classical music

Through ages of development and cultural input music has developed into forms which we see it today although a distinct separation has always been made between the music from the East and that from the West. When we say music from the east it is generally music from the South Asian Sub-Continent.

There are standard notes in classical Indian music; Sa-re-ga-ma-pa-dha-ni from which Re-ga-dha are categorized as ‘komal sur’ because they are lower in frequency than the rest.

Only one note ‘Ma’ is called the Teesra swar as its frequency is higher than the suddha.

Mian Tan Sen also named Mohammad Ata Khan was if we compare the Sebastian Bach or Ludwig Beethoven of Eastern classical music he was one of the Navaranta (Nine jewels) in the court of Akbar, who often used the centran Asian instrument Rubab in his work. Akbar gave him the title of Mian to honor him.

Another great composer of eastern classical came from Nizamuddin (Now Delhi) his birth name was Ab’ul Hasan Yamin ud-Din Khusrow or simply more popularly known is Amir Khusro who gave the sub-Continent the gift of Qawwali and Ghazal two genres which became the signature of this region.

The earliest major repertory of Western secular (non-religious) music which has come down to us is that of the troubadours and trouveres , French poet-musicians of the Middle Ages who set their own poems to music. The majority of the resulting songs were about love, often the fictionalized, abstracted "courtly love" of a male character for a noblewoman above his social level. 

It is safe to say that western classical music leaves in comparison to eastern classical less room to improvise because of its pinpoint perfectionism in pitch, speed, meter and rhythms. Understanding of tonal and harmonic principal makes the complexity of Western classical music to new heights.

Fusion music is currently one of the best forms of music coming out of the world it plays on the ideology that music has not boundaries altering the technicalities to a larger extent and that is defiantly how it should be. Both Western and Eastern music should be appreciated; even if something is not your cup of tea you should be able to respect what has caused a new language formation.

The Resurgence of Sufi Music in Pakistan

Sufism has deep roots in Pakistan, as this country has produced many famous Sufi mystics and poets. Over the years, the concept of Sufism spread throughout subcontinent and attracted millions of followers towards this alternative Islamic thinking. The most interesting part of this religious sect was the incorporation of music within the last Abrahamic religion. Sufi music gained wide popularity not only in the subcontinent but also in countries like Iraq and Iran. With the advent of 1990s, many people thought that era of Sufi music was over and Pakistani society had moved on to the more ‘rock and roll’ side of music genre. Recently, the public opinion (especially of the youth) has shifted again towards the likability of Sufi music.

These days if you look at the leading education institutes, especially universities, you will find Qawwali nights on the rise. SZABIST (a leading learning institute in Karachi) alone organizes at least 4 such events in a year. This shows that youth has started enjoying Sufi music more than ever. Moreover, even at weddings many people are incorporating such gatherings as a traditional norm.

The loss of interest in Sufi music was particularly seen in cities, as the fame of this genre never really died down in villages across Pakistan.  Media agencies, such as PTV finally realized their role in keeping the Pakistani culture alive and contributed towards bringing back the Sufi music. They did this by organizing various Sufi music competitions in collaboration with Mehergarh and Lok Virsa.

Abida Parveen is one of the legends in our music industry and has contributed to Sufi music more than anyone else. These days all across Pakistan, whenever she participates in an event, you would see crowds letting go of their worldly worries and getting entrenched into the world of Sufism. The newer generation is also getting involved in world of Sufi music; renowned singers like Sanam Marvi are lighting the way for women and men alike to take part in Sufi music and keep this ancient art alive.

Coke Studio, perhaps the most popular Pakistani show amongst the youth, introduced the concept of fusion of various music genres. The show won praise of many celebrities, even across the border. Many singers like Fareed Ayaz, Abu Mohammad won the youth over by Sufi music. Coke Studio paved the way for the mystical side of music to take center stage yet again.

Sufism is one of the leading forces that can stop the spread of extremism and fundamentalism across Pakistan. It is also a part of our cultural identity that we inherited from the subcontinent. According to me it is up to the youth of this country to decide whether to keep this genre alive or not, since they make up 63% of Pakistan’s population.

Do you listen to Sufi music? Comment and let me know :)