Chapter 7: Indian Classical Music

Learning Outcomes

• Ability to sing basic songs in Carnatic and Hindustani music.
• Ability to keep tala while singing or listening to a composition.
• Understand the importance of the Bhakti movement and sing a devotional song.

Key Concepts

• Talas in Carnatic Music:
  • Seven main talas: Dhruva, Mattya, Rupaka, Jhampa, Triputa, Ata, Eka.
  • Angas of tala: Laghu (clap and finger counts), Drutam (clap and wave), Anudrutam (beat).
• Raag Asavari:
  • Originates from Asavari thaat.
  • Notes: Komal (gandhar, dhaivat, nishad) and shudh.
  • Vaadi note: Dhaivat; Samvaadi note: Gandhar.
  • Singing time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Important Compositions

• Kriti:
  • Structure: Pallavi, Anupallavi, Charanam.
  • Example: Sri Gananaatham Bhajare (Ragam: Ishamanohari).
• Devotional Music:
  • Roots in the Bhakti movement (6th century CE).
  • Influential poets: Mirabai, Tulsidas, Purandara Dasa.
  • Sufi Qawwali genre from Sufism, focusing on inner devotion.

Activities

• Sing a group song while keeping tala.
• Accompany a composition with a musical instrument.
• Explore tempo changes in singing pieces from the chapter.

Chapter 7: Indian Classical Music

Learning Outcomes

• Ability to sing basic songs in Carnatic and Hindustani music.
• Ability to keep tala while singing or listening to a composition.
• Understand the importance of the Bhakti movement and sing a devotional song.

Talas in Carnatic Music

1. Dhruva
2. Mattya
3. Rupaka
4. Jhampa
5. Triputa
6. Ata
7. Eka

Angas of Tala

1. Laghu (clap and finger counts)
2. Drutam (clap and wave)
3. Anudrutam (beat)

Example of Tala

• Mishra Jathi Jhampa Talama Alankaram: I, U 0 = 7 + 1 + 2 = 10 Beats
• Khanda Jathi Ata Talama Alankaram: I5 I 5 0 0 = 5 + 5 + 2 + 2 = 14 Beats

Raga Asavari

• Origin: Asavari thaat
• Notes: Gandhar, Dhaivat, Nishad (komal); remaining notes are shudh.
• Vaadi Note: Dhaivat
• Samvaadi Note: Gandhar
• Jathi: Audav-sampoorna
• Singing Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Arohana and Avarohana

• Arohana: S, R, MP, D, S
• Avarohana: S, N, D, P, MG, R, S

Bhakti Sangeet and Sufi Qawwali

• Bhakti Movement: Significant religious, social, and literary movement emphasizing devotion.
• Influence on Music: Led to new musical forms like kirtanas and bhajans.
• Prominent Poets: Mirabai, Tulsidas, Purandara Dasa, Kanakadasa.
• Sufism: Emerged around the medieval period, focusing on inner devotion.
• Sufi Qawwali: Genre of music arising from Sufi philosophy, widely practiced in Punjab and western India.

Example Compositions

• Sri Ganeshan Bhajare: A composition with parts including pallavi, anupallavi, and charanam.
• Thumak Chalat Ram Chandra: A bhajan by Tulsidas.
• Duma Dum Mast Kalandar: A Sufi Qawwali.