Indian music: a living legend

Indian music is a heritage of the indigenous peoples of North America and Canada, music created and performed by them. In addition to the ancient traditional motifs, there are also intertribal genres. There are also various adapted popular directions (rock, blues, hip-hop, classic, reggae), and some unique styles.

Traditional Indian music plays an important role in the life of the indigenous population. It is performed for ceremonial purposes, historical, cultural, educational aspects. It is believed that it was given by the deities and spirits of respected people. In addition, there is a belief that people who have musical talents, have a special power. All the rituals were formed under her influence. Every song and dance is illustrated by messages about deities, symbols that are very important for the nation as a whole and, in particular, for the tribe, clan, family, individual. Epic tales, stories about cultural heroes are part of the tribal musical tradition. Although Indian music differs in styles among different Indian peoples, its common ideas are a strong connection of music with a spiritual beginning.

There are many different instruments for its implementation, especially drums and flutes, but perhaps its most important feature, or rather, the basis, is singing. Vocalization is known for various forms: solo performance, in unison, chorus, multilayered. Use unusual, irregular rhythms, somewhat "false" style of singing. There is no harmony, although many people often sing together. Passionate violent vocals, as a rule, pursue sacred goals - to call on the spirits, ask the gods to send rain to the earth, to heal someone's soul. In most cases, traditional Indian music is characterized by gender identity. This means that men and women have their own songs and dances.

Percussion (drum beats, rattles) is a general accompaniment that maintains a steady rhythm for singers (dancers) who perform in their native language (for each people) and use non-lexical vocables. Many researchers believe that Indian ethnic music in the aggregate is difficult to perform due to strained vocals combined with changing drum rhythms. The simplest direction from all styles is the Eskimo performing tradition. The people of Hopi, Pueblo, Zuni are the creators of difficult-sounding compositions.

The emotional unrest, the emotions that it causes, had a great influence on the contemporary directions of folk art. In addition, it is very popular in the modern world, CDs with its records are always in demand among music lovers. So, the popular compositions "Passion Fire & Grace", "Primavera" performed by renowned guitarist Gabriel Ayal (an Indian from the yaki people) are the brightest novelties of 2011.

The music of the indigenous peoples of America and Canada embraces both secular and sacred traditions. In the first case, these are songs performed during communal celebrations dedicated to people. The second is connected with worldview concepts, such as the life of the spirit, the origin of elements on the Earth. However, the Indians perceive both directions as one and do not make any distinction between them.