Scan 90
The American history and encyclopedia of music, 1908
10 lines. Read by computer on 9 September 2026. No printed page number was found. See the scan on archive.org.
1to the somewhat masculine melody of an instrument constructed for western airs and, therefore, constitutionally unadapted to the soul-stirring sweetness of Tamil lyrics, results in an undesirable compromise."
3The violin lends itself more readily to the melodies of the Hindus; indeed, that instrument had its origin in the ravanastron of Ceylon, said to have been invented by a king who reigned there about 5000 B. C. The ancient vina, a purely Hindu invention, was a strip of bamboo with a large gourd near the end, and six strings of silk and wire stretched from end to end, with an elaborate system of frets; such was the instrument from which could be called forth all the tones of the intricate scales. Even at the present it may be seen carried about the streets by a saniyasi, a strolling wise-man and singer.
5In addition to the fundamental difference in scales, Hindu music differs from European in that there is almost no effort for harmony. There is no four-part singing. The singing is in unison or responsive, two persons simply taking turns. Their accompaniment is only the air played by one instrument, usually the violin. If there are more, the others simply give a monotonous beating or droning. As the drone is the holding of the basal note of the melody, it does produce something of harmony, but it is rude and imperfect.
7As to the subject of their songs, we find some limitations which are simply the reflection of the history and customs of the people. If martial or patriotic songs ever existed, they seem not to have survived the subjection of the country to foreign rule, at least, they are unknown to the writer. Custom forbids courtship or even acquaintance before marriage; so without love-making or patriotism a wide range of motive to song is cut off.
9The old Vedic tunes are adapted to different occupations, different localities, different seasons of the year, and different hours of the day. Religion provides the chief source of subject matter, and much of the music is connected with religious observances of some sort. Among the Hindus almost every
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