A Brief Guide to Classical Music Traditions Across Asia

Asian music includes diverse traditions from Arabia, Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Trade, religion and philosophy created historical links between these cultures, while each retained distinct instruments, scales and performance styles. Indian classical music is among the world’s oldest traditions. Its musical system is built around melodic ragas and rhythmic talas. Northern Hindustani music reflects Persian and Mughal influences, while Carnatic music from southern India is largely devotional and often addresses Hindu deities, love and social themes. Indonesian music is known for percussion instruments such as kendang drums and gongs. The angklung, sasando and Javanese and Balinese gamelan ensembles are notable examples. Chinese classical music also has a history of about 3,000 years, with its own notation, tuning systems, instruments and pentatonic-based scales.

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