Sitarist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sitarist
[หsษชtษrษชst ]
Definition
musical instrument
A sitarist is a musician who plays the sitar, a plucked string instrument originating from India. The sitar is known for its wide neck and resonant sound, often used in Indian classical music. Sitarists often undergo years of training to master the nuances of playing, including intricate finger techniques and the use of microtones. Many famous sitarists have gained international recognition, blending traditional Indian music with other genres.
Synonyms
sitar player, string musician.
Examples of usage
- The sitarist performed a captivating raga at the concert.
- Many sitarists experiment with fusion music, combining styles from different cultures.
- The renowned sitarist Ravi Shankar popularized Indian music worldwide.
- She aspired to become a brilliant sitarist like her teacher.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In Indian classical music, sitarists are highly respected and often perform at major festivals and concerts.
- The sitar gained global recognition in the 1960s when Western musicians, like George Harrison of The Beatles, began experimenting with it in pop music.
Notable Sitarists
- Ravi Shankar is one of the most famous sitarists who helped introduce Indian music to the Western world.
- Anoushka Shankar, daughter of Ravi Shankar, is a prominent contemporary sitarist known for her innovative styles and collaborations.
Modern Influence
- Today, sitarists blend traditional music with other genres, from jazz to electronic, showcasing the instrument's versatility.
- Various music schools around the world now offer lessons in sitar-playing, making the art form more accessible.
Techniques
- Sitarists use techniques like 'meend' (gliding between notes) to create a distinctive sound that is both expressive and intricate.
- They often accompany their playing with intricate footwork and gestures, which enhance the performance and engage the audience.
Origin of 'sitarist'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'sitar' comes from Persian and means 'three strings,' though modern sitars often have more than that.
- The term 'sitarist' combines 'sitar' with the suffix '-ist,' which is used for someone who practices a certain activity or skill.
The term 'sitarist' is derived from the sitar, which itself has a rich history linked to various string instruments in Indian classical music. The sitar's origins trace back several centuries, with influences from the Persian lute, known as the 'sehtar', and the Indian veena. The name 'sitar' comes from 'sitar', which means 'three strings' in Persian, but modern sitars often have more strings. Sitarists have been pivotal in the evolution of Indian music, particularly since the 19th century, when the instrument gained prominence through the works of musicians like Ustad Vilayat Khan and later, Ustad Ravi Shankar, who introduced the sitar to the Western world. The role of a sitarist is not just to play music but to delve deep into melodic improvisation, making this a highly respected and sought-after skill in the music community.