Prologue
A subtle warm melody as gentle as the wind, but as clear and strong is the exact tone/sound produced by the flute. The Flute is a member of a family of musical instruments called Woodwind, producing sound with a vibrating column of air. The tunes from this exquisite instrument can transcend and allow one to experience a feeling of calm, tranquil sense of feeling away from the hustle bustle of daily life. Self-effacing, affordable, easy to carry are some of the desirable qualities of learning the instrument, be it Carnatic flute lessons online or offline, western lessons or hindustani lessons.
Different types of Flutes all over the world
Venu - The Carnatic Flute
The Venu is one of the oldest known flutes in Indian musical history, particularly in South Indian classical music, or Carnatic music. The instrument dates back to ancient times and is often mentioned in Hindu mythology and scriptures, such as the Natya Shastra and other classical texts. It is believed to be the same instrument played by Lord Krishna, who is often depicted with a flute, symbolising divine music and love.
Bansuri- The Hindustani Flute
Venu vs Bansuri
1. Geographical Origin:
- Venu: Originates from South India and is primarily used in Carnatic (South Indian classical) music.
- Bansuri: Originates from North India and is a staple in Hindustani (North Indian classical) music.
2. Number of Finger Holes:
- Venu: Typically has eight finger holes, allowing for more complex note variations, especially useful in Carnatic music.
- Bansuri: Usually has six or seven finger holes, providing a wide range but fewer than the Venu.
3. Size and Shape:
- Venu: Usually shorter and thinner than the Bansuri, which gives it a sharper, brighter sound.
- Bansuri: Longer and often has a larger diameter, producing a deeper, mellower tone.
4. Playing Technique:
- Venu: Often requires rapid, precise finger movements due to the nature of Carnatic music, which emphasises ornamentation and rhythmic intricacy.
- Bansuri: While also technically demanding, the focus is often on expressive, sustained notes and gradual movements, aligning with the meditative qualities of Hindustani music.
5. Notable Players:
- Venu: T.R. Mahalingam (Mali), N. Ramani.
- Bansuri: Pandit Pannalal Ghosh, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia.
Feature | Carnatic Flute – Venu | Hindustani Flute – Bansuri |
---|---|---|
Geographical origin | Southern India (primarily used in Carnatic music) | Northern India (used in Hindustani classical music) |
Music Style | Carnatic music (South Indian classical music) | Hindustani music (North Indian classical music) |
Material | Typically made from bamboo | Also made from bamboo, sometimes other materials |
Size and Shape | Shorter in length, smaller diameter | Longer, larger diameter, can vary in size |
Number of finger holes | 8 finger holes, with a vent hole | 6 to 8 finger holes, no vent hole |
Tuning/scale | Played in different shruti (microtonal intervals) to match Carnatic raga system | Uses a diatonic scale based on Hindustani ragas |
Playing technique | Finger holes are covered and uncovered using precise control of breath and finger pressure. Notes and shrutis are manipulated through sliding techniques. | Similar covering and uncovering of holes but includes use of the lips to manipulate airflow for smooth transitions between notes (meend). Sliding between notes is more prominent. |
Pitch Range | Narrower compared to the bansuri | Broader pitch range due to size variations |
Tone/ Timbre | Sharp and crisp | Softer and more mellow |
Fingering technique | More complex, with microtonal variations | Less complex, more straightforward |
Size variation | Typically smaller, ranging around 8-12 inches | Can range from smaller (12 inches) to very large (up to 30+ inches) |
Notable players | Dr. N. Ramani, Shri T.R. Mahalingam, Shri Shashank Subramanyam | Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Shri Pannalal Ghosh |
Cultural significance | Integral to South Indian classical music and temple performances | Widely associated with Krishna and North Indian classical music traditions |
Embouchure (Mouth Position) | The mouth position is tighter due to the smaller size and higher pitch range. | Requires a more open embouchure for larger-sized bansuri to control airflow for lower notes. |
Introduction and Integration of Flute in Indian Classical Music
Ancient Origins of the Flute in Indian Culture
Integration into Classical Music Traditions
- Hindustani Classical Music (North India)
- Carnatic Classical Music (South India)
- Pandit Pannalal Ghosh: Pioneered the transformation of the bansuri into a classical instrument in Hindustanimusic by modifying its size and structure.
- Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia: Took the bansuri to new heights, making it a globally recognized instrument in Hindustani
- Shri R. Mahalingam (Mali): Revolutionised the venu in Carnatic music by developing new playing techniques and making the flute an essential instrument in the South Indian classical tradition.
Important things to remember while playing the Flute
Mainting posture The Carnatic flute is typically played seated on the floor cross legged, it is essential to sit in this posture with an erect spine and stretched out shoulder and chest, thereby enabling lungs to contract and expand to its fullest capacity. The knotted end, and groove of the flute must be positioned and balanced on your lower lip. Note: it will be beneficial to practice before a mirror to ensure playing posture and blowing techniques are correct. Fingering technique The Indian classical flute is held horizontally rather than vertically in its western counterpart. The flute is slightly tilted towards the ground. Place your right thumb (for a right-handed person) under the flute with the other four fingers placed behind the flute and used for closing or opening the holes. The left thumb is stretched horizontally under the flute and the other four fingers are placed in front of the flute and used for covering the holes. Do not hold the flute with your palm but with your fingers. Various sounds are produced in the venu based on whether the holes are open, partially covered, or fully covered. Embouchure Embouchure means the method of placing your mouth on the mouthpiece of a wind instrument to play it. With the Carnatic flute, practise releasing air slowly through your lips; it must be smooth and even so you are not gasping for breath. Do not blow out air making an O shape with your lips. Rather tuck your lower lip under your upper lip to produce sound. Air should go into the flute in a slanting way such that not all the air from your lips goes into the flute. This will enable the appropriate sound to emanate from the flute. Breath control This involves knowing when to take and release breath so as not to interfere with the tone or tune of the melody. Yoga and breathing exercises like pranayama are known to be good for improving the singing voice; they can help with better breath control for wind instruments too.Tips for Beginners playing the Indian Classical Flute
- Ensure that you practise good hygiene – both oral and hands to keep your flute germ-free. Also, clean your flute regularly.
- Ensure that your neck is in line with your back rather than bent towards the flute. You could literally save yourself that pain in the neck!
- Practise the embouchure with your lips before you try it on the flute.
- Practise breath control. All wind instruments require you to control your breath, so you are inhaling and exhaling at the right time.
- Practise blowing into the flute and slowly increase the length of time you blow in a single breath.
- Record and listen to yourself.
- Learn to read Carnatic and Hindustani notation respectively so that your focus will be on the instrument rather than deciphering the notes.
- Develop an ear for Carnatic music and the flute’s role in it for you to be able to visualise and internalise the potential of the flute.
- Learn your Online Carnatic Flute lessons with a professionally trained flute player so you don’t have to work on unlearning before you really start learning.
- Practise what you learn – even if it is for 10 minutes a day. Regularity makes a huge difference in the way you sound.