Kirtana, traditional South Indian devotional songs
Book Description
This scholarly exploration opens a window into the profound spiritual tradition of South Indian devotional music, revealing how three master composers transformed religious devotion into transcendent musical art. During the early nineteenth century, Tyāgarāja, Muttusvāmi Dīkṣitar, and Śyāma Śāstri drew inspiration from temple worship, sacred pilgrimages, and intimate personal prayer to create kīrtana compositions that continue to touch hearts today.
Emmie te Nijenhuis presents these congregational songs of divine praise as both musical treasures and spiritual pathways. Each composition demonstrates different dimensions of Hindu devotional practice, offering readers insight into how music becomes a vehicle for connecting with the sacred. The carefully selected pieces showcase the ornate melodic beauty characteristic of South Indian classical tradition.
The book serves multiple purposes for those drawn to spiritual music and devotional practices. Detailed Western notation, based on authentic performances, makes these ancient forms accessible to contemporary music students and practitioners. Cultural background and biographical information provide context for understanding the composers' spiritual motivations, while original song texts appear alongside English translations.
The included MP3-CD allows readers to experience these devotional expressions as they were meant to be heard. Whether you approach this work as a musician, spiritual seeker, or student of world religions, it offers a meaningful encounter with a living tradition where music and devotion interweave to create pathways toward the divine.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 302 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Understand Hindu philosophy and traditions
- ✓ Cultivate devotional practice
- ✓ Explore Indic Devotional literature
- ✓ Deepen your prayer practice
- ✓ Explore Music, indic
- ✓ Explore India, religion
- ✓ Explore Music
- ✓ Explore Hinduism
