Karpanai Swarams, Thilana, Padam, and Pada Varna Flashcards
What is a Karpanai Swaram?
Karpanai swaram is one of 2 types of Carnatic music that we talk about. Also known as Manodharma Sangeetham, allows the performer to play a song in 5 different forms, Raga Alapanai, Tana, Pallavi, Niraval and Karpanai Swarams. To end a Karpanai passage you have to be powerfull and use a Theermanam.
What is a Thilana?
Thilanas are very lively forms of music, containing the syllables ta, ka, and ri. Thilanas are often sung at the end of dance concerts. Thilanas in dance use medium tempo and highlights footwork, and in vocal emphasizes Raga Bhava and uses varied tempo. Singing and playing Thilanas are great practise for performers, improving their vocal clarity and instrumental technique. Some composers are Maha Vadyantha and Swati Tirunal.
What is a Padam?
Padams are musical compisitions that are mainly used for dance. They depict the dynamics of Nyaka-Nyaki, exploring love through lyrics and gestures. Padams consists of 3 sections, Pallavi, Anupallavi, and Charanam, Telugu Padams focus on Krishna as the hero, and Tamil Padams focus on Murugan as the hero. A composer is Muthu Thandavar and Sarangapani.
What are Pada Varnas?
Pada Varnas are mainly used in dance but can also be used in mainly dance but can also be used in music. They are sung slowly to convey emotions like love. Unlike Tana Varnas, each chittai swaram has lyrics and is often sung in Ata Tala Varnam. A composer is Thyagara Subramanya Iyer. A composition is Chalamela in Nutakuranji.
What are the 10 rules to make a Karpanai Swaram?
LSTSSJUMPS
1) L - Last swara must end directly below the starting point.
2) S - (Slightly above) Can start slightly above the themes starting point.
3) T - (Theme connection) If the starting forms a Ranjaka Prayokum you must end with a different note.
4) S - Switch or end in a different raga if the avo. or avaro. is vakra.
5) S - Last note should be samvadi of the starting note.
6) J - If avo. or avaro. has a jantai swara you must end with a jantai swara.
7) U - Use a short note in the end if passage is long, vice versa.
8) M - Must be sung to the chosen fundamental tune.
9) P - Perform in Chowka or Druta talam only.
10) S - Scale/length should increase.
