Intro to Odissi Music by Dr. Sangita Gosain

December 11, 2023

This Spring, Dr. Sangita Gosain immersed attendees in the world of Odissi music during her two-part seminar: Introduction to Odissi Music. Dr. Gosain, a celebrated scholar, vocalist, and educator, created a beautiful environment of exploration, experimentation, and enlightenment.

During the first session, we first delved into the general effects of music. People reflected that it conveyed emotion powerfully, while often providing solace, peace and harmony. The origins of Classical Indian music in general were then discussed. Some of the lore around how the 7-note scale was formed was talked about, as was folk music (the mother of all music), and the sound Om. Then the class moved into the history of Odissi music, specifically. We learned about evidence of music in Odisha existing in the Jain caves and during the Tantric period.

Dr. Gosain shared the distinguishing characteristics of Carnatic, Hindustani, and Odissi music. The qualities of the three styles was demonstrated through song and participants were encouraged to describe them respectively with texture. Some of the common grammar was also touched on, particularly speed.

Participants were taught the beginning of Dheko Go while exploring the unique flavors of Odissi music. Through the seminar, we came to know that Odissi emphasizes sur, taal, and literature. This is distinct from Carnatic that puts more emphasis on taal and literature and Hindustani where the emphasis is on sur and taal while distorting the word. Odissi vocals cannot distort words.

During the second session, the learning continued. First, music for the Odissi dance repertoire was broken down, contextualized, and investigated. Many of the different types of items were demonstrated by Dr. Gosain.

Students learned about the three different types of notes: achala swara – a note that stays in place, komala swara – a note that comes down from their place, and teevra swara – a note that comes up from their place. What followed was a beautiful dive into the different types of Odissi music ranging from Chhanda to Gita Govindam to Chautisa to Janana to Kirtan.

We look forward to more in depth and durational learning about the vast ocean that is Odissi music in 2024 and all the years to follow.