Rag Desh By Anoushka Shankar

Question 0

What 2 instruments are used in this version?

Answer 0

Sitar and tabla

Question 1

When was this version recorded?

Answer 1

2001

Question 2

Describe the sitar

Answer 2

A plucked string instrument with a very long neck. It has 7 main strings which are used to play the melody but there are also about 12 sympathetic strings which resonate in sympathy with the other strings creating a characteristic shimmering sound

Question 3

Describe the tabla

Answer 3

A pair of drums. The right one is called the Dayan. It’s smaller so high pitched and made if wood. The left one is called bayan it’s larger so low pitched and made of metal. The drums are mainly played with fingers.

Question 4

What two tals is used in this version?

Answer 4

Jhaptal-a 10 beat cycle (2+3+2+3)

Tintal - a 16 beat cycle (4+4+4+4)

Question 5

Describe the 4 features of the Alap of this version

Answer 5

1. Sitar only 2. It’s slow with no regular pulse 3. The sitar introduces the notes and mood of the rag 4. The melodic like is decorated with slides and pitch bends called meends

Question 6

Describe 4 features of the Gat of this version

Answer 6

1. The tabla enters after a few seconds 2. Sitar plays a fixed composition in a moderate tempo
2. The sitar and tabla improvise. Sitars is based on Gat and the tabla is based on tal. The improvs end with a tihai-a short melody or rhythm played 3 times which ends on the San
3. Towards the end of this section the tempo increases

Question 7

Describe the Jhalla of this version

Answer 7

The music is fast and the sitar strings are strummed to create rhythmic excitement