Two gat Forms for the sitār: A Case Study in the Rhythmic Analysis of North Indian Music

Clayton, Martin

Abstract

Rhythmic analysis of two major composition types (the vilambit gat and madhya lay gat) as played by the Maihar gharānā sitārist Deepak Choudhury, illuminates several difficult issues. In particular this analysis clarifies the relationship between these gats and between their performance practices, and the relationships of both to their supposed models in vocal forms. This study suggests wide-ranging applications for rhythmic analysis, in studies of the relationships between the various forms and styles of North Indian classical music, and of the techniques and processes employed in performance. While dependent on an understanding of the rhythmic principles of the music tradition, such studies can go beyond areas traditionally considered to be the domain of rhythm.

Citation

Clayton, M. (1993). Two gat Forms for the sitār: A Case Study in the Rhythmic Analysis of North Indian Music. Ethnomusicology Forum, 2(1), 75-98. https://doi.org/10.1080/09681229308567213

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 1993
• Deposit Date: Sep 29, 2010
• Journal: Ethnomusicology Forum
• Print ISSN: 1741-1912
• Electronic ISSN: 1741-1920
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 75-98
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09681229308567213
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1517602