Chapter 9: Music Travels Around the World

Two instruments that belong to the flute family are:

Bansuri — India

Shakuhachi — Japan

The chapter also mentions the Recorder from Europe and the Ocarina, whose origin is Central America, with its modern form in Italy.

Chutney music emerged when Indians from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh migrated to the Caribbean. It blends Bhojpuri folk songs, bhajans, dholak, soca, and calypso. Its lyrics mix Bhojpuri, Hindi, English, and Creole. Instruments like dholak, tassa, dhantal, and keyboards create its energetic, dance-driven sound.

Bansuri — It is made of bamboo.

Ocarina — It is made of clay or ceramic.

Other examples are: Recorder made of wood or plastic, and Sarod with a stretched goatskin top.

i. Cuatro a. India

ii. Sarod b. Japan

iii. Shamisen c. West Asia

iv. Oud d. Puerto Rico

Besides the standard classification into tata or string, suṣhira or wind, avanaddha or percussion, and ghana or solid instruments, musical instruments can also be classified according to:

The musical genre they belong to

The country or region they come from

Their shared characteristics or family

For example, instruments may be grouped as the flute family, lute family, or bowed string instruments.

Instruments of the lute family are mostly plucked string instruments found across Asia and Europe. They usually have a wide resonating body and a narrow neck. They differ in materials and construction. For example, the oud has a wooden belly, the banjo may have a skin top, the sarod has a stretched goatskin top, and the cuatro uses seasoned jagrumo wood. Examples include Oud, Sarod, Shamisen, Banjo, and Cuatro.

When people migrate, music helps them stay connected to their homeland. It gives them emotional support, helps them bond with fellow migrants, preserves their cultural practices, and allows them to express their feelings, memories, and hardships. It also mixes with local sounds and creates new musical forms.

Yes, the mixing of musical genres due to migration is beneficial. It brings different cultures closer and creates new, rich, and creative musical styles. For example, Chutney music developed by mixing Bhojpuri folk songs and bhajans with Caribbean soca and calypso. Similarly, UK Bhangra mixed Punjabi music with reggae, hip-hop, pop, and electronic sounds. Such fusion enriches the cultural landscape and helps people express both their old and new identities.

Far from my home, I walk alone,

Memories of family are in my heart.

Mother’s smile and father’s voice,

Make me strong though we are apart.

New roads call me every day,

But my home will always light my way.

i. Violin (which is bowed)

ii. Guitar (which is plucked)

Can you explain the difference in the sounds of the instruments?

The violin is played with a bow, so its sound is smooth, continuous, and expressive. It can produce long notes and emotional melodies. The guitar is usually plucked or strummed, so its sound is clearer, sharper, and more rhythmic. Its notes often fade faster than the violin’s notes. Therefore, the violin sounds flowing and singing, while the guitar sounds crisp and rhythmic.