Sunday 13 March 2011

Terminology in Hindustani Shastriya Sangeet

A beginner in Hindustani Shatriya Sangeet always wonders about different terms used in context of it. I am trying to list a few very basic terms used in context of Indian Classical music:
Raga: A series of seven/lesser notes that make a melody. Each such combination of notes makes a unique melody and a unique raga is born. For instance, Raga Bhoopali/Bhoop has five notes Sa, Re, Ga, Pa, Dha
Bandish: Is a composition in a raga. Is also referred as Khayal.
Vilambit and Drut: Vilambit Composition forms the first half (or rathger two-thirds) of a raga, the introductory part which is sung at a slow tempo (Tempo is referred to as Laya) whereas Drut forms the final one-third of the raga usually sung at a faster laya.
Aaroh: An ascending combination of notes in a raga. The Aaroh in Raga Bhoop is Sa, Re, Ga, Pa, Dha.
Avroh: A Descending combination of notes in a raga. the Avroh in Raga Bhoop is Dha, Pa, Ga, Re, Sa.
Vadi and Samvadi: The melodic centre of a raga, Vadi is the note or the swar that is mainly responsible to bring in melody in a raga. The dominant note is the Vadi whereas the second most dominant note is Samvadi.

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