T. V. KARTASHOVA
Candidate of Art History
Associate Professor of the Saratov State Conservatory named after L. V. Sobinov
Key words: up-shastriya, thumri, North india, khayal, bol banao
Among the huge variety of styles, types and forms that have developed in the course of the centuries-old evolution of the musical culture of North India (Hindustani), such a phenomenon as the vocal genre of thumri stands out, which is one of the examples of the extensive up-shastriya layer characteristic of the musical art of South Asia, which is also called "music of a reduced tradition" or "light" classics. This category of music is translated into English by the Indians themselves as " semi-classical music "("semi-classical music"), or "light classical" ("light classic"). It is significant that the "lite" classical music that actually exists in many musical cultures, but has not received an official status in them, is recognized as independent in the Indian tradition and has a separate cultural niche.
"Up-shastriya" is characterized by a more relaxed expression compared to classical genres, accessible poetic content, the absence of strict restrictions in terms of rhythmic and melodic organization of the musical text, and free borrowing of elements from traditional types of music.
It should be noted that the layer of "semi-classical" music is the most layered and in modern India is considered the "main" type of musical culture. This includes "multicolored" film music, music for theatrical performances, radio and TV programs, etc.
The basic representative of " up-shastriya "("semi-classics") is the vocal genre of thumri. According to the Indians themselves, this is a charming love song, poetically sublime and tremulously exciting, revealing the diverse facets of the most subtle nuances of moods and emotional emotions.
To understand the essence of this music, let's turn to the curious description of thumri singing by the Indian scholar Govindrao Tembe: "Once upon a time the great Moz ...
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