"A Classical Instrument in the Modern World: The Santoor's Popular Music Story"
- Sharanya naidu
- Aug 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 15
Think of the santoor, and you probably picture a traditional classical concert. Its shimmering, crystalline sound is a hallmark of Persian and Hindustani classical music, evoking images of ancient traditions and intricate ragas. But what if I told you this mesmerizing instrument has found a vibrant new life far from the classical stage? From Bollywood blockbusters to ambient soundscapes, the santoor is proving its versatility and charm, expanding its horizons into the world of film and popular music.
From Classical to Cinematic: A New Identity
For centuries, the santoor was primarily a solo or accompaniment instrument in classical settings. Its unique hammer-dulcimer construction—a trapezoidal wooden box with dozens of strings struck by small, spoon-like mallets—produces a sound that's both percussive and melodic. While its classical repertoire is deeply rooted in improvisation and specific melodic frameworks, its entry into film music required a shift in approach.
In cinema, the santoor isn't just about technical mastery; it's about mood, emotion, and storytelling. Composers discovered that its ethereal sound could be used to create a wide range of atmospheres:
Romantic scenes: The santoor's gentle, lilting tones are perfect for creating a sense of love, longing, and nostalgia.
Dream sequences: Its shimmering, almost otherworldly quality makes it ideal for scoring surreal or fantastical moments.
Montages: The instrument's dynamic range allows it to be used for fast-paced, emotionally charged sequences, adding a sense of urgency or grandeur.
This is where the santoor's journey into popular music truly began. Its classical rigidity was softened, allowing for more expressive and free-flowing melodies that could easily blend with other instruments and modern production techniques.
Notable Examples in Film and Popular Music
The santoor's presence in popular music is most famously highlighted in Bollywood. The legendary musician and composer Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, a pioneer of the santoor, was instrumental in bringing the instrument to the forefront of Indian cinema. His collaborations with flutist Hariprasad Chaurasia as the duo "Shiv-Hari" produced some of Bollywood's most iconic soundtracks.
Think of the beautiful melodies from films like Silsila and Chandni. The santoor's signature sound is woven throughout these scores, lending them a distinct and unforgettable character. For a music learner, these soundtracks offer a masterclass in how a classical instrument can be adapted for a popular, narrative-driven context.
Beyond Bollywood, the santoor has also been embraced in various other genres:
New-Age and Ambient Music: Artists like Zakir Hussain and even international composers have used the santoor's hypnotic drones and arpeggios to create calming, meditative soundscapes.
Fusion Music: The santoor has been paired with everything from jazz ensembles to rock bands, creating exciting and innovative sonic textures that defy traditional categorization.
Why The Santoor’s Popularity Matters for Music Learners
For those of you learning a musical instrument, the santoor’s journey is a powerful lesson. It teaches us that:
Versatility is key: Don’t limit your instrument to its traditional context. Explore how it can be used to create different moods and styles.
Collaboration fuels creativity: The santoor's success in film is a result of collaboration—with composers, producers, and other musicians. Look for opportunities to play with people outside your genre.
Emotion trumps technique (sometimes): While technical skill is essential, the ability to use your instrument to convey emotion is what truly connects with an audience. Film music is a prime example of this.
The santoor is no longer just a classical instrument; it's a global one. Its ability to adapt and evolve proves that great music knows no boundaries. So, the next time you hear that shimmering sound in a movie soundtrack, remember its rich history and its exciting new future.
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