Indian music Flashcards
diff between north and south indian music
performance traditions and styles (e.g. improv in north is based on musician’s creativity vs strict rules in south, sounds cleaner)
diff in form and structure
north: raga system (alap: slow improv, gat: fast improv)
south: melodic modes(raga) and rhythmic cycle(talas)
varnam then kriti (longer composition)
diff in vocal style
north: khayal, improv and ornamentation
south: kriti, lyrical
Svara
notes of scale
sa ri ga ma pa da ni
sa can begin on any pitch, other notes will be adjusted accordingly
Drone
monophonic frequency that sounds in a loop, by plucking the strings in a uniform way throughout performance
Tanpura(N) and Tambura(S)
tonal centre
Tala
metrical or rhythmic cycle
each tala is distinguished by no. of beats and grouping of beats
the same tala is used throughout the rhythmic section of piece
Raga
pattern of notes
melodic framework: particular scale and melodic movements
imitating and memorising: passed on from teacher to student by oral tradition
Gamaka
melodic ornamentations
sAaAAaA
north instruments
ssstt
sitar
sarod
sarangi
tabla
tanpura
south instruments
vvmt
violin
veena mridangam
tambura
sitar
north
18-23 strings
lower bridge: 12 strings tuned to raga scale
will resonate without being touched when corresponding upper string note is played (reverb effect)
sarod
plucked using plectrums
vs sitar: shorter, deeper and heavier
strings are stop with fingernails
sarangi
bowed
37 sympathetic strings: rich resonance underneath main melody strings
strings stopped by fingernails/cuticle
tabla
drums: accompany/solo
involves extensive use of fingernails and palms in various configuration to create a variety of sounds and rhythms
structure
alap: 1st mov, improv of raga by solo melodic instrument accompanied by drone
gat: 2nd mov, melodic instrument: fixed composition, tabla: solo
section gradually accelerated towards end of performance
features q&a exchange between melodic soloist and drummer
