Carnatic Classical Music PDF

# Carnatic Classical Music ## Origins and Tradition - One of the two major traditions of Indian classical music (the other being Hindustani) - Originates from the southern part of India, particularly: - Tamil Nadu - Karnataka - Andhra Pradesh - Kerala ## Foundation - Rooted in anc...

# Carnatic Classical Music ## Origins and Tradition - One of the two major traditions of Indian classical music (the other being Hindustani) - Originates from the southern part of India, particularly: - Tamil Nadu - Karnataka - Andhra Pradesh - Kerala ## Foundation - Rooted in ancient Vedic traditions - Formalized through texts like: - *"Sangita Ratnakara"* by Sarangadeva - The works of musicologists like Bharat Muni - Built upon a system of ragas (melodic frameworks) and talas (rhythmic cycles) - Hundreds of ragas and talas, each evoking specific emotions and moods ## Compositions - Core repertoire includes compositions by renowned composers such as: - Thyagaraja - Muthuswami Dikshitar - Syama Sastri, known collectively as the **Trinity of Carnatic music**. ## Improvisation - Carnatic music places significant emphasis on improvisation, particularly in the form of: - *Alapana* (free raga exploration) - *Neraval* (improvisation within a lyrical framework) - *Kalpana swaras* (improvised melodic patterns) ## Performance Structure - A typical performance includes segments like: - *Varnam* (invocatory piece) - *Kriti* (main composition) - *Raga alapanam* (raga exposition) - *Tanam* (rhythmic elaboration) - *Tani avartanam* (rhythmic solo by the percussionist) ## Instruments - Common instruments include: - Violin - *Mridangam* (a drum) - *Ghatam* (clay pot) - *Veena* (a plucked string instrument) - Vocal performance is central, with instruments providing accompaniment and support. ## Vocal Style - Carnatic music is highly lyrical, with emphasis on the clarity of diction in various languages like: - Telugu - Tamil - Kannada - Sanskrit - Lyrics often express devotion and are centered around themes of divinity and spirituality. ## Guru-Shishya Tradition - Transmission of knowledge is traditionally through a master-disciple (guru-shishya) system, ensuring preservation of the music's intricacies and nuances. ## Modern Adaptations - While deeply rooted in tradition, Carnatic music continues to evolve, integrating contemporary influences and reaching global audiences through recordings, concerts and collaborations. ## Names of Raaga in Carnatic Music - **Raga Shankarabharanam:** A major raga that is often compared to the Western major scale. It is known for its bright, uplifting quality. - **Raga Kharaharapriya:** A popular raga with a serious and emotional mood, often associated with devotion and pathos. - **Raga Bhairavi:** A versatile raga used in both light and classical music, characterized by its deep, emotional expression. - **Raga Hamsadhwani:** A joyous and auspicious raga, often used as an opening piece in concerts. - **Raga Todi:** Known for its complex, emotive, and serious nature, this raga is widely admired for its depth. - **Raga Kalyani:** A major raga with a rich, uplifting quality, often used in devotional and classical compositions. - **Raga Saveri:** Recognized for its serene and devotional mood, it is often used in compositions with a spiritual or devotional theme. - **Raga Yaman:** While it is more commonly associated with Hindustani music, in Carnatic music, it is known as "Yaman Kalyani" and is appreciated for its evening appeal. - **Raga Charukesi:** This raga evokes a mood of devotion and longing, often associated with expressions of love and separation. - **Raga Sindhubhairavi:** Known for its versatility and expressive range, it can convey both pathos and joy, making it suitable for a variety of compositions. - **These ragas form the foundation of Carnatic music and are used in various compositions, improvisations, and performances.** ## Famous Exponents - Syama Sastri - Swarajati Tyagaraja - Muthuswami Dikshitar - M.S. Subbulakshmi