Sitarists and Their Music
July 29th, 2010
For avid listeners of Sitar Music the enchanting and melodic tones of the sitar offers a relaxing music from which to lose the stresses of the day. The tones and timbres of the musical instrument inherently cause a state of tranquility , calmness and meditation that is unrivaled by most musical instruments on Earth . It is a unique and popular style of Indian Classical Music, with characteristics and specialties which are not the same as any other musical instrument in its genre.
The Sitar can be enjoyed by all who listen to its sound , but when you realize a couple things regarding the musical instrument at that point you can revel in the music on a whole new level . When you comprehend the amount of schooling the sitarya must go through , and the dexterity it requires, and understanding of the principles about the ragas, then the music becomes a glorious realization of humanity in such a way that elevates the one who hears the songinto a blissful state.
With over 16 strings, 7 of which are above the frets and 13 of which run underneath the frets and many of them being different lengths creates a dizzying amount of variety in the sitarists repetoire , even tuning the sitar takes a considerable amount of energy. It is not unusual to break a string while tuning and then restringing comes into consideration. After that the player must understand the notes of the Raga to be played so he or she can tune the strings to the notes of that particular raga. When all this is done, he must then be able to communicate with his tabla player, his tanpura player, and any other musicians that are on stage with him at the time. It appears almost as telepathy between the players, and it dazzles and awes the audience. This heavenly style of music is enjoyed by all , reveled in by more, and rarely really understood .





