Workshop on Indian Dhrupad singing 2007 held by Amelia Cuni

Dhrupad is the oldest form of northern Indian classical music (15-16th c.) and has been transmitted orally from one generation to the next. It is influenced by Nada or ‘sound’ yoga and has evolved to bridge the gap between court and temple, or secular and sacred, music. It is now considered the foundation of Hindustani music. Its introspective and meditative nature vacillates between rhythmical structures and lively improvisations, between vocalisation and poetic verse.

This four-day workshop is held by Amelia Cuni with the collaboration of Francesca Cassio. During the lessons, divided into two levels, the rudiments of the dhrupad tradition is gradually illustrated and practised. The content of the lessons may be summed up as follows:

– detailed work on the projection of the voice and preparatory physical exercises
– the musical mode: the RAGA
– intonation and vocal techniques
– the rhythmic cycle: the TALA
– improvisation

These elements are compatible with any kind of singing and provide a series of techniques and exercises that can easily be integrated with other musical languages.
Amelia Cuni communicates her twenty-years experience of Indian singing in a very direct way, personalised to meet the needs of European students.
The course focuses on the practical aspect and, by means of simple exercises within everyone’s reach, the subject is taught systematically. The lessons do, however, tackle all the main aspects of Hindustani music theory.

Venice, Island of San Giorgio Maggiore
26 – 29 April 2007

Information
Intercultural Institute of Comparative Music Studies
tel. +39 041 2710357
e-mail: musica.comparata@cini.it