What is Melismatic Singing?

 It is what we call vocal runs, the musical art of creating series of notes sung across one vowel/syllable.

The coaches came together to introduce Melismatic singing, which is present in both Malay and Bollywood music genres. Watch Part 2 of the podcast to listen to them sing a verse from each other's genre specialisations! 😉

Part 1

What is ‘Bangsawan’?

A type of traditional Malay opera or theatre performed by a troupe. The bangsawan theatrical performance encompasses music, dance and drama, comparable to Bollywood music.

P. Ramlee films in the 50s era were inspired by Hindi films!

They also cover Indo-Islamic traditions of Sufi poetry, Qawwali and Ghazals in the podcast as well!

• Sufism Poetry – love for the divine/higher beings

• Qawwali Poetry – devotional music

• Ghazal Poetry – poetry about separation, longing and love.

Mujhse Pehli Si Mohobbat Mere Mehboob Na Maang

Lag Jaa Gale

Ghazal in Indian Classical Music

Part 2

Is it easy to sing Bollywood songs?

Coach Harsha shares how it comes naturally for her as she grew up listening to

mostly Bollywood music.

Can we teach and develop melismatic singing?

Yes, absolutely. Breath would be the most important. Thereafter, interval training – first slowly, and fast. Clarity of notes and vowels are also key factors. (M and N are also trained in Hindustani Classical music)

What is an Embellishment?

Embellishments are extra notes that can enhance the emotion and connection of a song.

‘Bollywood’ singing is basically pop commercial Hindi music, that is used in films or background score for movie scenarios, situations etc.

The singing style has its roots in Indian Classical Music, which certainly includes melismas. As opposed to using vibrato which is considered a “western” way of embellishing the song.

Melismatic singing or singing in vowels (‘Aakar’) was considered the only way to embellish. Furthermore, it is teachable and you can train for it.

Ghazal Untuk Rabiah

Gurindam Jiwa