Rag Desh By Gorn & Wertheimer

Question 0

What does Benjy Wertheimer play in this rag?

Answer 0

Esraj and tabla

Question 1

What does Steve Gorn play in this rag?

Answer 1

Bansuri

Question 2

When was this version released?

Answer 2

2004

Question 3

What instruments are used?

Answer 3

Bansuri (bamboo flute with holes), Esraj - bowed string instrument, Shruti box - an electronic instrument that okays a drone, shwarmandel- plucked string instrument like a zither and a tabla

Question 4

What two tals are used in this version?

Answer 4

1. Ruptak tal - 7-beat cycle (3+2+2)

2. Ektal - 12-beat cycle (2+2+2+2+2+2)

Question 5

Describe 4 features in the Alap of this version

Answer 5

1. It starts with the drone on D + A
2. Bansuri introduces notes and mood
3. Esraj takes over before instruments alternate improvised phrases
4. Tempo is slow with no reg pulse

Question 6

Describe 6 features in the gat 1

Answer 6

1. Slow gat in rupak tal
2. Begins with Bansuri solo
3. Tabla enters after 30 secs
4. Bansuri starts to play composed gat
5. Bansuri and tabla improv around gat and tal
6. Finishes with tihai

Question 7

Describe 5 features in the Gat 2 of this version

Answer 7

1. Fast gat in Ektal
2. Starts with tabla solo
3. Improv becomes more elaborate
4. Bansuri plays tans (fast scales)
5. Piece ends with 3 tihais