About

• Thumri music is a semi-classical vocal genre of Indian music known for its emotional expressiveness, primarily focusing on themes of romantic love and devotion.
• It originated and developed significantly during the 19th century in the courts of Lucknow under Nawab Wajid Ali Shah.
• Thumri is distinguished by its tender, lyrical style with a strong emphasis on poetic content and "shringara rasa" (romantic sentiment), often blending spiritual and mundane meanings.

Key characteristics of Thumri music

• Emphasis on emotional expression (bhava) and poetic beauty in the lyrics.
• Flexibility and improvisation in melodic ornamentation like murkis, meends, and gamaks, rather than strict adherence to classical raga rules.
• Use of simple ragas such as Bhairavi, Kafi, Pilu, and Tilang, often with creative blending or transitions between ragas.
• Rhythmic cycles (talas) like dadra (6 beats) and keherva (8 beats), providing a gentle, flowing rhythm.
• Close association with Kathak dance, where music and dance interpret the lyrics and emotions together.
• Two main styles: Bandish Thumri (structured) and Bol Banav Thumri (emotionally free).
• Instrumental accompaniment is minimal, typically including tabla and harmonium, supporting vocal improvisations.

Famous exponents of Thumri include Begum Akhtar, Girija Devi, and Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. The genre continues to evolve, with fusion styles blending Thumri with modern musical elements to appeal to contemporary audiences.

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