Enhancing performance through Raga understanding: Insights into L. Subramaniam’s „Fantasy on Vedic Chants”

Abstract

"Fantasy on Vedic Chants," a seminal work by L. Subramaniam, presents a unique fusion of Carnatic music and Western orchestration. Premiered at Lincoln Center in 1985, this composition integrates Vedic chants into a Western-style violin concerto, exemplifying a significant cultural and musical convergence. The concerto is structured in three movements, each reflecting different emotional aspects of the Carnatic raga system. This article highlights the piece’s use of modal approaches and its impact on the performance. Through its integration of Vedic motifs and its exploration of spiritual and musical wisdom, "Fantasy on Vedic Chants" stands as a testament to Subramaniam's artistic vision and his contribution to global music heritage.