Indian Music Key Terms

Question 1

Talas

Answer 1

Indian rhythmic cycles

Question 2

Tablas

Answer 2

Pair of small drums which play the tala

Question 3

Tin-tal

Answer 3

The most popular tala lasting 16 beats

Question 4

Sam

Answer 4

The first beat of the tala

Question 5

Vibhag

Answer 5

Each cycle is divided into sections called vibhags

Question 6

Khali vibhag

Answer 6

One section in each tala contrasts the others and this is the khali vibhag

Question 7

Drone

Answer 7

Plays the tonic note all the way through the piece and is played by the tambura

Question 8

Tambura

Answer 8

A stringed instrument which plucks the drone

Question 9

Alap

Answer 9

Slow introduction
Soloist explores the notes of the raga
No percussion or regular pulse

Question 10

Gat

Answer 10

Pre composed piece
Tabla joins in with the tala
Musicians add decoration to the music

Question 11

Tihai

Answer 11

Short phrases heard three times

Finishes on the Sam

Question 12

Jhalla

Answer 12

High point in the piece
Much faster and more exciting
Musicians improvise the rhythm and melody

Question 13

Rags/raga

Answer 13

A cross between a scale and a melody

Question 14

Jhap-tal

Answer 14

10 beat tala or rhythmic cycle

Question 15

Sarod

Answer 15

Plucked stringed instrument
Metal finger plate
Sliding sounds