Music

Music is an art form whose medium is sound. Common elements of music are pitch (which governs melody and harmony), rhythm (and its associated concepts tempo, meter, and articulation), dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture. The word derives from Greek μουσική (mousike), "(art) of the Muses".^[1]

The creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of music vary according to culture and social context. Music ranges from strictly organized compositions (and their recreation in performance), through improvisational music to aleatoric forms. Music can be divided into genres and subgenres, although the dividing lines and relationships between music genres are often subtle, sometimes open to individual interpretation, and occasionally controversial. Within "the arts", music may be classified as a performing art, a fine art, and auditory art.

To many people in many cultures music is an important part of their way of life. Greek philosophers and ancient Indian philosophers defined music as tones ordered horizontally as melodies and vertically as harmonies. Common sayings such as "the harmony of the spheres" and "it is music to my ears" point to the notion that music is often ordered and pleasant to listen to. However, 20th-century composer John Cage thought that any sound can be music, saying, for example, "There is no noise, only sound."^[2] According to musicologist Jean-Jacques Nattiez, "the border between music and noise is always culturally defined—which implies that, even within a single society, this border does not always pass through the same place; in short, there is rarely a consensus.... By all accounts there is no single and intercultural universal concept defining what music might be, except that it is 'sound through time'."^[3]

Hindustani music legend Gangubai Hangal dead

HUBLI: Legendary Hindustani vocalist Gangubai Hangal died after a brief illness in Hubli on Tuesday. She was 97. She is survived by two sons. Her daughter Krishna had died in 2003. ‘‘She recovered from two mild heart attacks twice in the night. However, the attack that came in the morning at around 7.10 am claimed her life, family doctor A V Kalamdani said. Her children and grand children were at her bedside when the end came. The singer was admitted to a hospital a week ago after she complained of respiratory problems.

‘‘All her life, the efficiency of her heart was around 70%, much higher than the average persons efficiency of 60%. However, in the last week, its efficiency was reduced to 30%. This week was the only period in her life that she suffered from a heart problem, Kalamdani said. ‘‘Cardiogenic Pulmonary Oedema or heart enlargement caused the problem,’’ he said. He also observed that she had fought a successful battle against bone cancer six years ago. Her strong resolve to live, had supplemented treatment. ‘‘Not every one has such strong will,’’ he said.

Gangubai, who enthralled millions with her deep understanding of Hindustani music and her powerful androgynous voice, lived a full life. Her career spanned over seven decades. She loved life and remained humble despite her unparalleled achievements.

Her early life was tough. She battled hunger and caste and gender prejudices. Though this battle continued for most part of her life, she found a reason to smile always.

She sent a message in death by donating her eyes. Her final rites will be performed on Wednesday morning.