INDIAN RAGA

By- Saad Khan Click to edit Master subtitle style 9B

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INTRODUCTION

The rag is the most important concept that any student of Indian music should understand. The Hindi/Urdu word "rag" is derived from the Sanskrit "raga" which means "colour, or passion". It is linked to the Sanskrit word "ranj" which means "to colour" . Therefore rag may be thought of as an acoustic method of colouring the mind of the listener 4/28/12 with an emotion. This is fine as a

INTRODUCTION

There must be the notes of the rag. They are called the swar. This concept is similar to the Western solfege.

There must also be a modal structure. This is called that in North Indian music and mela in carnatic music. 4/28/12

THE 3 STAGES
ALAP

The first part of the elaboration of the raga called alap. The alap is an invocation without rhythm, during which the soloist brings all the notes and the mood(s) of the raga to life. The alap contains all the main phrases of the raga.
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THE 3 STAGES
JOR JHALA The function of jor (literally means 'join') is very similar to that of alap, namely to introduce the notes of the raga in their musical context. Unlike the alap, which has no rhythm, the jor has a rhythmic pulsation (not the tala) kept alive by the additional usage of chikari, the contra strings of the instrument. 4/28/12

THE 3 STAGES

GAT

The gat (composition) is always played according to a tala, a particular rhythmic cycle, the speed of which is gradually increasing. The flow of the tala must be unbroken during the whole gat.

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KEY WORDS

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The Sitar

The Sitar is a stringed instrument. It is one of the most common Indian instruments and is used for solo improvisation. It has a gourd sound box and a long neck with movable frets.

One is used as the main melody string while others play drone notes.
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This main string is often pulled to

THE TAMBURA
The Tambura is a drone instrument, similar in shape to the sitar. It is played vertically and has only four strings, each tuned to the drone notes.
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THE TABLA
Tabla is the most popular Indian percussion instrument. Tabla is a set of two drums with leather heads and leather straps for tuning. Different parts of the drumhead make different sounds, which are produced by the 4/28/12

BHIMSEN JOSHI

Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi (February 4, 1922 January 24, 2011) was an Indian vocalist in the Hindustani classical tradition Bhimsen Joshi was known for his powerful voice, amazing breath

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BHIMSEN JOSHI

Devotional music In devotional music, Joshi was most acclaimed for his Kannada, Hindi and Marathi Bhajan singing. His commercially successful CDs Daaswani and Enna Paliso included Kannada Bhajans, and Santawani included Marathi Abhangs.
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