How the Flute Is Used in Hindustani Classical Music

Abstract

The flute, or bansuri, is an ancient musical instrument with roots in India, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Mahabharata era. It gained prominence through Lord Krishna, who popularized its use. Even today, flute players emulate Krishna’s style, playing the instrument in a manner that recalls his way of gathering cows and cowherders with its melodies. Legend has it that the mesmerizing sounds of Krishna’s flute would captivate not only the gopikas but also the wild animals and birds near the riverbanks where he played.

Krishna’s proficiency with the flute earned him affectionate names like Banshidhar, Murlidhar, and Murli Manohar. The flute itself is a simple, lightweight bamboo pipe, making it affordable and easy to carry, although it is sometimes made from steel or bronze. Known as ‘bansuri’ in Hindustani, this instrument is versatile, used in both light music and classical settings, and has found a place in modern orchestras as well.

Traditionally crafted from bamboo, the bansuri is celebrated for its soothing, ethereal sounds that evoke a deep emotional response. This humble instrument’s accessibility, due to its simple construction and low cost, allows musicians from various backgrounds to embrace it. In Hindustani classical music, the bansuri plays a critical role in delivering the intricate ragas and the subtle emotional nuances they represent.

The influence of Lord Krishna, who is often depicted playing the bansuri, has imbued the instrument with a spiritual and mythical aura, making it more than just a musical tool—it’s a symbol of divine love and enchantment. The tales of Krishna charming the natural world and the people around him with his flute continue to inspire contemporary performances, where musicians strive to channel that same sense of magic and allure.

In modern times, the bansuri has transcended its traditional roots. While it retains its fundamental role in classical performances, its sweet tones are now incorporated in various musical genres, extending its reach and adaptability. The integration of the bansuri in orchestras not only highlights its versatility but also brings a piece of Indian tradition to western compositions, showcasing its universal appeal and timeless charm.

Keywords: Flute, Bansuri, Classical Music, Rhythm, Melody, Harmony, Fingers, Technique, Performance, Tradition

The bansuri, or flute, is a simple instrument that’s easy to play. Unlike other instruments, it doesn’t need to be tuned frequently, nor does it require any tools like a mallet. To play it, you just blow air through it and move your fingers to cover and uncover the holes.

The bansuri is usually made of bamboo or bronze and has several holes along its length, which should all be aligned in a straight line. The main hole, where you blow air into, is slightly larger than the other six holes. Inside, the bansuri is hollow and the surface should be smooth to ensure the air flows freely to a cork piece at the end of this hole. This cork is crucial as it helps produce the sound.

The proper placement of the cork is vital for the flute to sound good, as it affects the quality of the sound. If the cork isn’t well adjusted, playing the flute becomes difficult. The inside of the flute must be kept smooth to avoid any disruption in airflow.

The Murli type of flute, another variant, doesn’t use a cork. Instead, it has a slanted cut wooden piece that directs air blown from the mouth directly onto the flute’s body, aiding in sound production.

Flutes come in various sizes and are tuned to different notes. Radio artists often have multiple flutes, each tuned to a specific note, which they use depending on the musical requirements. Since flutes vary in pitch, with some being high-pitched and others low-pitched, one flute cannot cover all musical needs. The pitch of a flute is fixed and cannot be altered by blowing air into it. Generally, smaller flutes produce higher pitches, while longer ones produce lower pitches.

When playing the Bansuri flute, it’s held at an angle, with the main hole touching the lower lip. To produce sound, air is blown into the hole using the upper lip, directing it straight into the main hole. The player positions the lips of their left-hand first, second, and third fingers over holes 6, 5, and 4 respectively, while the right hand covers holes 3, 2, and 1. The thumbs of both hands are placed on the lower side of the flute, opposite each other. If there’s a hole on the back side, the left-hand thumb is used to cover it. Fingertips are placed over the holes to cover them entirely, allowing air to pass out only through the designated outlet for sound production.

When playing the Murli type flute, it’s held in a straight position, and the player adjusts their fingers and thumb so that the hole where the air exits remains directly in front of the mouth. The finger placement and movement are similar to that of the Bansuri type flute.

Playing the Bansuri flute can be done in three different positions:

1. Sitting Position on the Ground: This traditional Indian style of playing the Bansuri has been practiced since the time of Lord Krishna in the Mahabharata. The player sits independently under a tree, taking a position as shown in the picture, and plays the flute.
2. Sitting Position on an Armless Chair: Another option is to sit on a chair without arms while playing the Bansuri. This position provides some comfort and stability for playing.
3. Standing Position: Alternatively, the player can stand while playing the Bansuri. This position allows for more freedom of movement and may be preferred by some musicians depending on the performance context.

Here are the notes produced on the Bansuri flute:

• Sa (Medium Octave): Produced by blowing air from the mouth while keeping 6, 5 and 4 holes closed and 3, 2 and 1 open.
• Re (Medium Octave): Produced by blowing air from the mouth while keeping hole No. 4, 3, 2 and 1 open.
• Ga (Medium Octave): Produced by blowing air from the mouth while keeping hole No. 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 open.
• Ma (Medium Octave): Produced by blowing air from the mouth while keeping hole No.6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 open.
• Pa (Medium Octave): Produced by blowing air from the mouth while keeping all the holes closed.
• Dha (Medium Octave): Produced by blowing air from the mouth while keeping all the holes closed and only the main hole (hole No. 1) open.
• Nee (Medium Octave): Produced by blowing air from the mouth while keeping hole Ng.2 and 1 open.
• Additionally:
• Sa (Upper Octave): Produced by blowing air with double force from the mouth while keeping 6, 5 and 4 holes closed and 3, 2 and 1 open.

All other notes in the Upper Octave can be played by using the same method of blowing air with double force.

Half-tone notes, also known as Komal Swara, are four in number: Re, Ga, Dha, and Nee. There are two methods of playing half-tone notes on the flute:

1. By keeping the holes half open: If we partially open the holes of full-tone notes, the half-tone notes will be produced. For example, Re is produced by partially opening hole No. 4, Ga by partially opening hole No. 5, Dha by partially opening hole No. 1, and Nee by partially opening hole No. 2.
2. By changing the position of notes: By changing the position of Sa (the primary note), different scales of notes can be produced. For instance:
   • When Sa is set on hole No. 4 (Re), notes of the Kafee Thata scale are produced.
   • When Sa is set on hole No. 5 (Ga), notes of the Bhairavi Thata scale are produced.
   • When Sa is set on hole No. 6 (Ma), notes of the Kalyan Thata scale are produced.

Sharp Note: Out of the 12 notes of the octave, only Ma is considered a sharp note. To produce a sharp note, the next hole is kept half open. For example, to produce Ma as a sharp note, the Pa note is kept half open.

Octave Positions in Bansuri: Indian music is divided into three octaves: Medium Octave, Upper Octave, and Lower Octave.

• Medium Octave: All notes of the Medium Octave are produced by a simple blow of air from the mouth.
• Upper Octave: Double force of air from the mouth produces notes of the Upper Octave.
• Lower Octave: Originally, Lower Octave notes cannot be produced on the flute. However, by changing the position of Sa note on Re, Ga, Ma, and other notes, Lower Octave notes can be obtained. For example, by setting Ma note as Sa on hole No. 4, Lower Octave notes like Nee, Dha, and Pa can be produced.

Conclusion

The Bansuri flute is a simple yet versatile instrument that holds a prominent place in Indian music. Its ease of play and minimal maintenance make it accessible to musicians of all levels. Crafted from bamboo or bronze, the flute’s design includes several holes along its length, allowing for the production of various notes. Proper placement of the cork is crucial for sound quality, ensuring smooth airflow and resonant tones. The Murli type flute offers an alternative design, relying on a slanted wooden piece for sound production. Flutes come in different sizes and are tuned to specific notes, catering to diverse musical requirements. Playing positions range from sitting on the ground to standing, each offering its own benefits. Understanding the production of notes, including full-tone and half-tone variations, adds depth to flute performance. With its rich history and adaptability, the Bansuri flute continues to enchant audiences and musicians alike, serving as a timeless symbol of Indian musical heritage.