Carnatic Music Concert Format Flashcards
Explain how the duration of a Carnatic concert has changed over time.
100 yrs ago, they used to last 12 hrs from dusk till dawn, but now it only lasts 3 hrs or even less.
What two types of pieces are Carnatic concerts based on? When are these played?
The serious pieces in the first half and the lighter pieces in the second half to create a balance.
What does a Carnatic concert typically start with?
Varnam
What are the Varnams followed by ? What do they include?
2 or 3 Madhyamakaala and Chowkakaala compositions or just a Keerthanam. A brief raga Alapanai
What are the madhyamakaala and chowkakaala comps follwed by?
Major Krithis which are embellished by Niraval and Kalpana swaras
What 3 pieces follow after?
Ragam, Thanam, Pallavi
Describe a Pallavi
It usually uses one avarthanam of a rare and difficult tala which is set to a major raga.With the Pallavi, its raga can be developed through the raga alapanai in its Vilambita and Maghyama laya. It is sung in 3 speeds.
What follows after the end of the Pallavi?
Niraval then the Kalpana swaras that is sung in the raga of the palllavi
What pieces does the second half of the concert include?
Padams, Javalis, Schlokams, Viruthams, Ragamalikas and Thillanas.
What are the lighter pieces called as a whole?
Tukkada
How do we make sure the concert is successful?
The main artist must select comps and ragas carefully to balance each other. There should be wide variety of ragas, talas, languages and composers. The compositions may be chosen according to the events. Songs about Saraswathi for a Saraswathi poosai.
