exam 1 instruments and music terms Flashcards
gita
song
alapana (alap)
In Indian classical music, an improvisatory, rhythmically free section that introduces and explores the melodic characteristics of a raga
svara kalpana
Rhythmic/melodic improvisation using solfege syllables
tani avartanam
Improvised percussion solo
pallavi
The first section of a kriti vocal performance from India.
nad-brahma
a holy emanation of God
gamaka
(ornaments) are produced by bending, sliding, and vibrating the strings
tala
Rhythmic cycle of a certain number of beats, which may be subdivided in different ways. The beats are further grouped into clusters
jor
medium tempo, suggestion of rhythm; follows alap, preceds jhala
jhala
fast, climatic, heavy use of drone strings
bandish
Vocal composition
ustad
Reserved for elder, acknowledged masters recognized for their abilities and knowledge; Muslim
sruti
drone layer of south Indian classical music
raga
The melodic system used in Indian classical music
pandit (pundit)
Reserved for elder, acknowledged masters recognized for their abilities and knowledge; Hindu
guru
teacher
shishya
A pupil of a guru.
gharana
a “musical family” or lineage that preserves, cultivates, and develops a particular tradition of raga performance, often over the course of many generations
tampura
drone instrument
sitar
Plucked lute with gourd resonators;
18 or 19 wire strings divided into 6 or 7 playing strings and 12 sympathetic strings that vibrate from the sound of the playing strings.
sarod
Plucked lute with a fretless neck made of polished metal and carved wooden resonator covered with goat skin; 25 strings divided into 4 playing strings, 3 drone (chikari) strings and 18 sympathetic strings (tarbs).
sarangi
3-string bowed lute; contains over 30 sympathetic strings that vibrate when the main strings are bowed
rudra veena (bin)
A bamboo tube zither with two gourd resonators; 4 wire playing strings, 3 drone strings (chikari) and 24 brass coated frets.
The instrument is associated with the god Shiva in the form of Rudra, a deity of wind and storms.
saraswati veena
Plucked lute; 4 playing strings, 3 drone strings and 24 brass frets
tabla
set of two tuned drums.
pakhawaj
double-sided drum
mridangam
double sided drum with differently prepared and tuned drumheads. Can produce over 10 different sounds.
Primary percussion instrument used in Carnatic classical music.
harmonium
a keyboard instrument that is a lot like an organ
svara
set of notes