indian classical music igcse notes

7/29/2019 Indian Classical Music IGCSE Notes

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Indian Classical Music 11/27/2012 5:07:00 AM

Structure:

Phases of the song:

Alap (beginning of song):

No clear pulse

No tabla (drum)

Raga (Indian scale) is being explored – emphasise the home

note (vadi)

Drone is being played, usually by Tambura

Thor Sense of beat begins to be established

Slightly faster

Jhala

Clear sense of beat

Tabla enters

Often fast and exciting

Improvisation on the raga – rhythms and melodies pass betweenthe musicians (like a full on battle)

Raga

A series of notes (scale)

A combination of scale and melody

Strict rules regarding notes you can play, in which order and

what ornamentation you can use.

Associated with a time of day, mood, season, god, etc…

Ornamentation is also associated with different raga

Tala (Rhythmic Cycle)

Every piece has a set rhythmic cycle dictated by the Tabla

A Tala could have 16, 6, or 7 beats….there are many different

Talas.



Texture

Drone

Rhythm

Melody

Instruments

Melodic Instruments:

Sitar – Plucked string instrument, (guitar like)

o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVmuNiSlM08

Sarangi – Bowed string instrument

o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUYyw5YuD1k Santur – Hammered string instrument

o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJZH71IZdOw

Harmonium – Piano like instrument (like a small organ with a

drone.)

o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUbAZbJDJOo

Bansuri – flute

o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4UO6CMDS-Y

Voice – singingo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hh3Hpy699LY

Drone:

Tambura

Rhythm:

Tabla



11/27/2012 5:07:00 AM

indian classical music igcse notes

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