On Mar 23, 2009, at 8:27 AM, Radhika, Y. wrote:
Could someone tell me why the harmonium is a terrible instrument? for
sentimental reasons, i have recently requested my mother to bring my
grandmom's harmonium as i am learning hindustani classical and it is
my
teacher's preferred instrument. all I know is that harmonium is either
foreign or modified from the accordion and was introduced in the 19th
century to India. I am interested to know what are the deficiencies
versus
say a Shruti box
As I understand it - unlike a shruti box, the harmonium allows you to
follow melody lines and to play the tonic drone in any key. Unlike
other non-electronic piano-keyed instruments, it allows you to modify
each note to fit a custom scale very easily, which is a requirement
for Indian music. Unfortunately it sounds terrible doing all of this.
-Taj.
