Why Indian Musicians Lag Behind Western Musical Giants: A Comparative Analysis
Indian musicians have made significant contributions to the global music scene, with names like AR Rahman and Lata Mangeshkar gaining recognition worldwide. However, they often struggle to match the influence and acclaim that Western musical legends such as Prince or Michael Jackson enjoy. This article delves into the reasons behind this disparity, focusing on the unique characteristics and complexities of Indian classical music.
Understanding the Differences Between American and Indian Music
One of the first things to consider is the fundamental difference between classical Indian and Western music. While renowned Western artists like Prince and Michael Jackson could command huge audiences with just a guitar or piano, Indian classical musicians often perform for hours and require complex techniques that are challenging to appreciate.
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The question of whether an Oscar or Grammy panel can judge Indian classical music is a pertinent one. These awards are designed to recognize mainstream achievements in Western music genres. They may not necessarily be equipped to evaluate the nuanced artistry and multi-layered composition that characterizes Indian classical music.
The Scale and Atmosphere of Indian Classical Performances
Another key difference lies in the scale and atmosphere of performances. While artists like Prince and Michael Jackson can perform to massive audiences with amplified instruments, Indian classical musicians often perform without such aids. A layman might find these performances boring or complicated, but the music is intended for a refined audience, not the masses.
Comparing Work Flows of Indian and Western Music Professionals
A significant factor in the disparity between the recognition of Indian and Western musicians is the workflow and career structure within the music industry.
Indian Music Directors
Indian music directors typically work within tight time constraints to deliver songs for film projects. They rely heavily on teams of arrangers and instrumentalists, but often receive all the credit for their work. This industry-centric approach prioritizes quantity over quality, often leading to a lack of individual artistic expression and innovation.
Western Music Composers
On the other hand, Western composers work in more structured and collaborative environments. They start with a concept, develop musical themes, and orchestrate pieces for ensembles. They work in well-equipped studios, with detailed planning and often years of preparation.
As an example, consider Indian classical singer Lata Mangeshkar's iconic song "Manmohana Bade Jhute." Playing this song at a slow speed in VLC can help one understand the complexity and perfection in her notes and taans. Similarly, Western artists like Prince and Michael Jackson were masters of their genres, with their music designed to evoke specific emotions and drive audiences to dance.
Quality vs. Quantity
While Indian music directors focus on meeting project deadlines and delivering a set number of songs, Western composers often take a more deliberate and artistic approach. Serious artists working on private albums may spend up to three years producing a single album, focusing on genuine and top-quality music.
The expectations in the Indian music industry often revolve around the quantity of output rather than the quality, which can hinder the recognition of individual artists in the global stage. Western music, on the other hand, values quality and artistic integrity, leading to greater appreciation and global recognition for these composers.
Furthermore, the use of Western instruments and techniques in Indian music, without proper understanding and adaptation, can affect the overall sound and presentation, further hampering international recognition.
In conclusion, while Indian classical musicians like AR Rahman and Lata Mangeshkar have made significant contributions, the unique characteristics of their art, the structured workflow in Western music industry, and the prevailing industry culture contribute to the differences in recognition and global influence.
The recognition of Indian music and its artists is a complex issue that requires a nuanced understanding of the differences between these musical traditions.