The Harmonium in Sikh Music. (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lallie, Harjinder Singh
• Is Part Of: Sikh formations. Volume 12:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 53
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Sikhism -- Periodicals; Sikhs -- Periodicals; 294.6
• DOI: 10.1080/17448727.2016.1147175
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-8727

Abstract

Abstract : The harmonium has become the standard instrument in all Sikh musical worship ( kirtan ) performances and it seems inseparable from the Sikh musical experience. In the mid-nineteenth century, however, the kirtan experience was considerably different. Until the early twentieth century, kirtanis performed kirtan on stringed instruments and adhered to a number of complex traditional musical themes and structures. Following the introduction of the harmonium, kirtanis became attracted to this instrument and in the space of 50 or 60 years, the harmonium became their instrument of choice. This paper explores this theme and attempts to deconstruct the history of the harmonium and the reasons why it became so attractive as an instrument of choice for Sikh kirtanis . We explore the popularity of the harmonium amongst Indian musicians in general before attempting to understand why Sikh kirtanis rejected stringed instruments and chose the harmonium.