The Music of India

The author reveals that no one feels more than him the deficiencies of this book and the inadequacy of its presentation of a great and living culture. His only real qualification is his love for India, and a keen interest in both the practice and theory of Indian music. This little work is sent out into the world in the hope that it may help to make known the great value of Indian music and that it may play some part, however small, in the improvement and spread of this culture throughout India. His deepest obligations are to A.H. Fox Strangways, whose Music of Hindostan is the best of the few books which seek to give something like an adequate account of the subject. India can never be too grateful to this musical scholar for the limitless labour, love and imagination he has lavished on Indian music. He has drawn very freely from his book, not only accepting many of his ideas as to the development of music both within and without India, but also borrowing a few of his brief definitions and some expository passages of greater length. It covers new ideas of harmony and melody ?finer notes, intricate and subtle variations which exemplify the beauty of Ragas of Indian music. This book is over 80 years old, but its subject is many centuries old so that is not really an issue. The descriptions can be a bit esoteric at times. It’s fairly short. It is not exactly a page turner; some parts can seem repetitive if you are reading big chunks without listening to the music as well. However, it is one of the best books on Indian music. If you are looking for a good guide to assist in listening to and understanding great classical Indian music, this book serves that purpose very well.