Raga Yaman is a distinctly popular raga in the Hindustani Classical Music. It is equivalent to the Mixolydian scale in Western Music Theory (i.e. a raised fourth degree). It should be sung somewhat after dusk.
It is said that the raga was designed to be sung by the ladies during evenings while performing 'shringaar' (beautifying). Mostly, the lyrics describe a lady portraying her husband who casts a spell on her with his enigmatic eyes, or a lover in some distant land who is breathlessly awaited.
This Raga has also been a choice raga for the film-makers. Many songs in Bollywood are based on the 'essential aspects' of this Raga. Improvisations from trained experts and the beauty written down by centuries of traditional singers combine to deliver great many songs to the public, who enjoys it without knowing virtually anything about its origin.
This Raga is a heartfelt one for almost every classical singer. It is considered a 'Parent Raga' (the other one being Raga Bhairav). Ustads have said that these two should be the prime focus of any learner, and an extremely solid foundation on them is necessary.
It is said that the raga was designed to be sung by the ladies during evenings while performing 'shringaar' (beautifying). Mostly, the lyrics describe a lady portraying her husband who casts a spell on her with his enigmatic eyes, or a lover in some distant land who is breathlessly awaited.
This Raga has also been a choice raga for the film-makers. Many songs in Bollywood are based on the 'essential aspects' of this Raga. Improvisations from trained experts and the beauty written down by centuries of traditional singers combine to deliver great many songs to the public, who enjoys it without knowing virtually anything about its origin.
This Raga is a heartfelt one for almost every classical singer. It is considered a 'Parent Raga' (the other one being Raga Bhairav). Ustads have said that these two should be the prime focus of any learner, and an extremely solid foundation on them is necessary.
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