This piece is inspired by both Western Art Music and Indian Classical traditions. Based around Rag Kharaharapriya, the piece moves gradually through other centres and variations on this Rag. 

The fusion between the two traditions is achieved through taking musical characteristics of both musical traditions. For example, from the Western Art strand, I use the virtuosic and free, Caprice form, the Western violin posture and performance style as well as the use of extended string techniques such as harmonics, sul tasto, sul ponticello, senza vib. and so on. From the Indian Classical strand, I found the Raga I wished to explore (Raga Kharaharapriya) using the improvisatory melodies and jolty time-signatures (or talas) to set tabla-like rhythmical music to. 

The two traditions are also used in conjunction with one another to achieve my chosen fusion sound-world. For example, sul ponticello playing is used in this piece to pay tribute to the Tanpura (drone) instrument found commonly in all South Asian performances. Pizzicato coupled with heavy vibrato and note-bending almost mimics the sound of the beautiful sitar instrument that dominates so much of the Indian Classical repertoire.

Performed by the most brilliant Marc Danel. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiwbG1tilLM&ab_channel=MusicDepartment%2CUniversityofManchester

©2021

Caprice in Raga Kharaharapriya, for solo violin (Marc Danel)

Vinthya Perinpanathan