Indian classical music has a long history of around 3000 years. The music is learned by ear and performed from memory – typically a student will undergo a type of apprenticeship with a highly regarded performer, which as known as a master-student tradition.
Ravi Shankar - Sitar player.
The melody is based on a set of notes called a raga. There are many different ragas and most of them are associated with a particular time of day, season and mood. Some notes in the raga will be more important than others and will be emphasised.
Common techniques used in the melody – pitch bends, glissandos, rapid scales, ornamentation.
As pieces progress they become more complex. Before a performance everyone will agree which raga to use and the sitar player will then improvise a melody around the notes of the raga.
Tala – the rhythmic cycle which pieces are based on. There is a range of different talas, each with a set number of beats, some of which will be accented. The tabla player improvises rhythms around the tala, which gradually become more complex as the piece progresses.
There is no real harmony in Indian classical music – instead a drone is played throughout a piece. It is based on the most important note or notes of the raga.There is often dialogue between the different parts, with the sitar player imitating rhythms played by the tabla.
Alap – slow, improvised introduction in free time. The sitar introduces and explores the notes of the raga. There is a drone but no tabla drums.
Jor – faster and more melodic.
Gat – the tabla enters, creating a clear sense of pulse. This section is often based on a pre-composed idea, which the melody instrument uses as a basis for improvisation. The music builds in excitement.
Jhalla – more improvisation, faster and more virtuosic. Cascades of scales and intricate rhythms.
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