The Music of the Sitar
For avid listeners of Sitar Music the sonorous and melodious sounds of the sitar produces a relaxing music from which to relieve the stresses of the day. The tones and timbres of the instrument inherently produce a state of meditation, relaxation and peace that is unrivaled by most musical instruments anywhere. It is a popular and unique form of Indian Classical Music, with specialties and characteristics which are different from any other musical instrument in this class.
The Sitar can be enjoyed by many of those that hear its sound , however when you understand a couple things about the musical instrument then you can appreciate the music on a higher plane . When you comprehend the amount of training the sitarya must go through , and the dexterity it requires, and understanding of the theories about the ragas, then the music becomes a glorious realization of humanity in such a way that uplifts the one who hears the music into a blissful state.
With over 17 strings, 7 of which are above the frets and 11 of which run underneath the frets and all of them being varying lengths creates a wide array of choices in the sitarists availale songs, even tuning the instrument takes a considerable amount of time . It is not unusual to break a string while tuning and then restringing comes into play . Then the player must tune the sitar to the notes of the Raga to be played so he or she can tune the strings to the notes of that particular raga. When all this is done, he must then be able to communicate with his tabla player, his tanpura player, and any other musicians that are on stage with him at the time. It appears almost as telepathy between the players, and it dazzles and awes the audience. This beautiful style of music is heard by all , appreciated by more, and almost never fully comprehended.