Many Indian wind instruments are used in modern music nowadays, where they can be seen in classical or even Bollywood. It is known that artists adapt these wind instruments for concert halls along with fusion genres, where they shine. As the use of these wind instruments grows, a sort of cultural importance is shown through it. There is versatility in the way these instruments work to please the audience, even in modern music.
The purpose of this blog is to let you know which Indian wind instruments are widely used in Modern Music.
Traditional Instruments in Modern Use
If we look at the research done on Indian musical instruments, many things turn out to be surprising. It’s actually suggested that over 500 traditional instruments exist across this country. Now, many of these are still used in regional performances as well as recordings today. There are many cultural institutions like India’s Ministry of Culture, that keep them alive. They keep documenting and preserving these instruments by researching.
Which Are Some Of The Indian Wind Instruments Used In Mordern Music?
Bansuri (Bamboo Flute) –
Description:
This instrument is very simple in nature while being melodious, as it’s commonly used in this country for this purpose. A Bansuri has six or seven finger holes in total, through which it can be played to produce a peaceful sound.
Modern Use:
You’ll see the usage of the Bansuri in both classical and folk music, as it has a popular ethereal sound. This is also associated with Lord Krishna, for the way the Bansari is said to belong to him.
Many Virtuoso players, including Hariprasad Chaurasia, have used the Bansuri in many different genres, including:
- Dhrupad
- Khyal
- Fusion music
Shehnai –
Description:
This is a double-reed wind instrument that you may find similar to the oboe, as they do have some similarities. It has a conical shape, which is what actually produces a loud, resonant sound it is known to have.
Modern Use:
A shehnai is very popular as it used to be played traditionally at weddings before it was used in modern music. You may have heard it on auspicious occasions in North India, as it was popularized by Ustad Bismillah Khan, mostly. It is used for many purposes, as the shehnai can be seen playing in both traditional and fusion styles of music.
Nadaswaram –
Description:
This is also a double-reed wind instrument, but it is used in South India, being the opposite of the shehnai.
Modern Use:
As mentioned above, this instrument is importantly used in the Carnatic tradition of South Indian Classical music.
Algoza –
Description:
These are played simultaneously as a pair of wooden flutes, which is what makes them unique.
Modern Use:
In the Punjab and Rajasthan areas, the use of this instrument is very popular among wandering minstrels.
Pungi (Been)
The pungi is also known as the been. It’s actually a wind instrument which is made from a gourd where two bamboo pipes are attached. This instrument is actually associated with a snake charmers if we go back in time. This one produces a buzzing tone which is continues and made through reed vibrations. It’s true that the pungi isn’t that common in mainstream performances today. But you’ll hear it in folk theatre, film soundtracks and experimental fusion music. This is how it seeks to recreate the traditional soundscapes.
Kuzhal
The kuzhal is basically a South Indian double reed instrument. It’s in fact very similar to the shenai in terms of tonal character. The instrument is played in temple festivals as well as religious ceremonies traditionally. You’ll hear it more in parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. If we think of it in contemporary settings then the kuzhal sounds are sometimes still used. They are used into Carnatic fusion and devotional recordings. This helps preserve its culture relevance.
Ottu (Drone Instrument)
The ottu is actually used alongside the nadaswaram in classical South Indian ensembles. It’s somewhat different from the melodic wind instruments as this is where you get a steady drone. This supports the main performer well. An instrument like this is rarely used alone, but the ottu is still an important part of music. You’ll hear it in traditional temple and ceremonial music ensembles.
What’s The Role Of Wind Instruments In Modern Indian Music?
There’s a classical category called the Sushir Vadya which is where the traditional wind instruments belong. This is all about those instruments that produce sound through vibrating air columns. Today, these instruments aren’t limited to classical or folk performances. They again and again appear in:
- Bollywood film soundtracks
- Fusion and world music collaborations
- Devotional recordings and live concerts
- Regional folk revival movements
There are many musicians and composers who blend the traditional tones. They go very well with modern production. This ensures that centuries old instruments are relevant in contemporary music.
How They Are Used In Modern Music?
Classical Music:
In the Hindustani classical traditions, many kinds of wind instruments hold importance, including Bansuri and Shehnai.
These are also used for Carnatic classical traditions, as they are mostly adapted for these:
- Concert performances
- Intricate improvisations
Folk Music:
- Bansuri is super melodious, which makes it a popular choice for romantic Hindi songs as it sets the vibe.
- The mellow sound is also suited to the folk melodies, which is why it’s often used for them as well.
Bollywood:
- For Bollywood listeners, it is common knowledge how much the Bansuri is used in the songs.
- The main feature of the Bansuri that attracts its usage is the lyrical quality, as it has been used in many Bollywood songs.
Fusion Music:
- These traditional instruments are blended with Western instruments by many artists because they can work like that.
- The styles are also blended, along with the above, which is what makes new musical experiences.
Auspicious Occasions:
- If we talk about the shehnai, then it can’t ever be forgotten for its use in weddings, along with other occasions in the country.
- The wind instrument is known to bring good fortune, which is the reason for its popular use in the country.
Conclusion
Wind instruments are a popular choice in India as they are used on different occasions, including weddings. Bansuri and Shehnai are some of the instruments that hold classical importance as wind instruments, but are used in modern music. Ustad Bismillah Khan and Hariprasad Chaurasia are known for popularizing some of these wind instruments, as they are contributors to them.
FAQs
Q – Why are Bansuri and Shehnai used so much in this country?
A – Baansuri and Shehnai are used so much for these things:
- Divine instrument of Lord Krishna
- Temple Rituals & Shehnai
- Weddings & Good Beginnings
- Royal Associations
Q – Which is the best place to buy Indian Wind Instruments in this country?
A – The best place for buying Indian Wind instruments is none other than Amrit Music for our variety.
Q – Why should I choose Amrit Music for Indian Wind Instruments?
A – You should choose Amrit Music as the best place for Indian Wind instruments because of:
- Extensive Experience
- Superior Quality
- Expert Craftsmanship
- Customer-Focused Service
- Variety of Instruments
Q – Is there a specific instrument associated with Lord Krishna?
A – Yes, there is an instrument like that, which is called the Bansuri, as it can be used in auspicious as well as modern music.
Q – Are traditional Indian wind instruments still used in modern music?
A – Yes, instruments like the bansuri, shehnai as well as nadaswaram are regularly used in film music. This also includes fusion performances as well as devotional recordings.
Q – What is the most popular Indian wind instrument today?
A – The bansuri is actually very widely considered to be popular. This is due to its presence in classical music.
Q – Why are traditional wind instruments important in Indian music?
A – These instruments actually preserve regional musical traditions as well as unique tonal styles.
Q – Are wind instruments used in Indian fusion music?
A – Yes, there are many modern composers that blend traditional wind instruments. This is all done with electronic, orchestral and global music styles.
