Page:The Music of India.djvu/54

38 defined microtonal intervals used to bring notes into tune with one another. It may not be generally known that European singers and violin players aim at such definite microtonal differences under special circumstances, and whenever the accompanying harmonies do not preclude their doing so; but, unfortunately for them, these same harmonies have so limited their scope for indefinite grace notes, that their exuberance can find no better means for expressing itself than the tremolo; whereas, with no harmony to hamper his music, the Indian can reveal it in as many graces as he desires. The Indian scale, with all its śrutis and possibilities, resides in the bosom of the Indian musician, 'who is dear to the gods'; and it only comes out in his songs, the intonation of which changes from day to day and from mood to mood.