Sangeet style

Author : Tejpartap singh singh | Published On : 24 Apr 2024

The Enchantment of Indian Classical Music

Indian classical music is a rich tapestry of sound, steeped in history and tradition. It's a unique art form that unfolds through two main elements: raga and tala.

Raga is like a melody with a mood. Imagine a box of colorful paints. Each raga uses specific notes, including some in-between the usual ones, to create a particular feeling. A raga might sound happy and uplifting, or maybe calm and meditative. There are hundreds of ragas, each with its character.

Tala is the rhythmic side of things. Think of it like a heartbeat. Talas uses patterns of beats to create a sense of time. Musicians clap or play a drum to establish the tala, and then improvise melodies within that rhythm. It's like dancing with the beat.

Indian classical music performances are all about improvisation. The musician (or singer) starts with the alap, a slow exploration of the raga, letting the listener get acquainted with its mood. Then comes the gat, where the musician plays with the raga's notes within the tala, weaving beautiful melodies. The performance often builds in intensity, showcasing the musician's creativity and skill.

• Hindustani: Flourished in North India, Hindustani music uses instruments like the sitar (a stringed instrument) and the tabla (drums).

• Carnatic: Developed in South India, Carnatic music features instruments like the veena (a stringed instrument) and the mridangam (drums).