The most popular and probably the most beautiful musical form of the Hindustani Classical Music are the Ragas. They have been practiced by generations of classical vocalists and form the basis for teaching and examination in the present day India.
Raga in its simples form is similar to a 'scale' in Western Music. For example, Raga Yaman for example corresponds to the Lydian Scale. Additionally, there is a 'vadi' (dominant) and 'samvadi' (co-dominant) note that capture most of the attention. There are also some phrases that usually repeat in unveiled or disguised forms (the 'pakad').
Ragas have a particular time to be sung, because it is suited to the emotion during that period ('peher'). As an example, mornings usually start with prayers or good thoughts, and therefore Raga Bhairav or Raga Bilawal should be sung. During the evenings, the mood gets romantic and Raga Yaman would be suitable. It is not a compulsion that Ragas be period-specific, but simply that the time of the day can help the singer attain the mood necessary for bringing of subtle beauties in the Ragas.
Also, Ragas are open to improvisation. The vocalist may create any and as many phrases as wished keeping in line with the 'tala' (tempo) and the mood of the Raga. There have been greats who have sung the same Raga on almost every occasion and have still interested the audience by adding new features unique to their style of singing.
Melodic Phrases in Raga are highly developed and use a lot of techniques which require time to be mastered. Anybody who wishes to learn Hindustani Classical Music, will certainly feel the warmth of the Raga.
Raga in its simples form is similar to a 'scale' in Western Music. For example, Raga Yaman for example corresponds to the Lydian Scale. Additionally, there is a 'vadi' (dominant) and 'samvadi' (co-dominant) note that capture most of the attention. There are also some phrases that usually repeat in unveiled or disguised forms (the 'pakad').
Ragas have a particular time to be sung, because it is suited to the emotion during that period ('peher'). As an example, mornings usually start with prayers or good thoughts, and therefore Raga Bhairav or Raga Bilawal should be sung. During the evenings, the mood gets romantic and Raga Yaman would be suitable. It is not a compulsion that Ragas be period-specific, but simply that the time of the day can help the singer attain the mood necessary for bringing of subtle beauties in the Ragas.
Also, Ragas are open to improvisation. The vocalist may create any and as many phrases as wished keeping in line with the 'tala' (tempo) and the mood of the Raga. There have been greats who have sung the same Raga on almost every occasion and have still interested the audience by adding new features unique to their style of singing.
Melodic Phrases in Raga are highly developed and use a lot of techniques which require time to be mastered. Anybody who wishes to learn Hindustani Classical Music, will certainly feel the warmth of the Raga.
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