Indian Classical Music - Raga Overview

Indian Classical Music - Raga

• Raga: A musical scale consisting of 5 to 8 notes; creates specific moods or themes; performed during specific times/seasons; utilizes microtones.

• Sitar: Prominent string instrument in Indian classical music, similar to a guitar; features an adjustable fret system; typically has 7 main strings and additional sympathetic strings.

• Tambura: A string instrument with 4 to 6 strings; provides a drone note, enhancing harmony; acts as a supportive accompaniment to the sitar.

• Tabla: A pair of hand-played drums; consists of the smaller dayan (right-hand drum) and larger bayan; plays a key role in establishing the tala (rhythm).

• Drone: A sustained note, usually produced by the tambura or harmonium, serves as a musical foundation in performances.

• Tala (or tal): A rhythmic pattern with numerous variations; includes subdivisions known as vibhags; incorporates spoken syllables like dhin, na, and ta for rhythm.

• Alap: The introductory section of a raga; characterized by a free-form exploration of the scale without rhythmic accompaniment.

• Jhor: The second section of a performance, where music starts to accelerate and establishes a steady rhythm.

• Jhala: Represents the third section, marked by faster tempos and heightened excitement in the music.

• Gat (or bandish): The concluding section where the tabla joins in; features thematic improvisation and interactive musical dialogue among performers.

• Microtone: Intervals smaller than a semitone, crucial for the unique tonal qualities of Indian classical music.

• Surbahar: A bass version of the sitar, commonly used for lower pitches.

• Sarod: A fretless string instrument; tends to have a sharper sound than the sitar.

• Sarangi: Similar to the sitar but played with a bow; known for its emotive expressiveness.

• Bansuri: A traditional bamboo flute; recognized for its airy tonal qualities.

• Shehnai: A double-reeded wind instrument, comparable to an oboe; often played at weddings and celebratory events.

• Harmonium: A keyboard instrument resembling an accordion; sound produced by pumping air through hand bellows.

• Shuddh: Refers to a natural note within a raga's scale.

• Tivra: Indicates a sharp note in the scale.

• Komal: Denotes a flat note in a raga.

• Matra: The measurement of beats within a tala.

• Sam: Represents the first beat of the tala, marking the start of rhythmic cycles.

• Vibhag: The division in tala, akin to a measure in Western music.

• Meend: Refers to the technique of bending pitches on the sitar strings for expressive melodic phrases.

• Gharana: A traditional lineage or school of music teaching focusing on specific styles of raga and tala.

• Indian Classical Music - Raga: A rich traditional music form from Northern India characterized by intricate ragas and rhythmic talas.

• Rag Desh: A specific raga associated with the night and typically performed during the rainy season, evoking a tranquil atmosphere.