Grade 8 history The Raga in Indian Music

Question 1

raga

Answer 1

literally means “color” or “atmosphere”; provides melodic structure of a composition or performance

a pattern of pitches defined by the number of notes it contains as well as the pattern of intervals

used as basis of extended improvisation

Question 2

sitar

Answer 2

a multi-stringed plucked instrument with movable frets; similar to a lute or guitar

five strings are used to play the melodies, while two strings are used for drone and percussive effects

Question 3

tala

Answer 3

literally means “clap”; provides rhythmic structure for a composition or performance

a metric cycle or regularly repeating rhythmic phrase that can include from 3 to over 100 rhythmic units

often expressed by percussion instruments such as the tabla (pair of drums)