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Svara and Raga
The musical structure consists of Svara - the seven musical notes, Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Da and Ni in an octave ; each of which has a distinct character. Raga (melody) is a musical scale having a definite combination of svara (notes)-in the ascending and descending order ( i.e in the Arohana and Avarohana). The ragas in carnatic music are divided into Janaka (primary/parent) and Janya(secondary/ progeny) which are formed from the Janaka (also called as the Melakarta Ragas). There are 72 variations of Janaka(Melakartas) ;e.g Shankarabharnam, Kalyani, Mayamalavagoula, Bhairavi, etc. Some of the Janya ragas of Shankarabharnam raga (Janaka raga) include the Arabhi, Atana, Bihag, Begad, Hamsadhwani, Kanada, etc. A Raga can be sung/played without lyrics or rhythm and each Raga has a mood.There are Ragas which display the emotions of happiness, sorrow, anger etc. And there are Ragas that remind of sunrise, dusk or night. It is owing to the sound of certain notes within a raga that particular feelings or moods are evoked within us.
Laya and Tăla
Laya (tempo or degree of speed) is the time interval between the beats of Tala while Tăla is the rhythm - the measurement of time that controls the movement of song. Carnatic Music has evolved a very complicated Tăla system and every composition is set to a particular Tăla.
There are 7 basic talas which are divided and further sub divided to give raise to a total of 175 talas. The variations in tempo constitute the variations in laya.
The classification of laya (movement) is three fold-based - Vilamba kala (slow), madhyama kala(medium) and Dhruta kala (fast).
The percussion instrument "Mridangam" is an indispensable accompaniment in every Carnatic Music concert.
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Types of Tăla, Jati & Gati Ancient References Tanjore Importance of Music
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