AOS 4: Indian Music - General

Question 1

Melody of general Indian music

Answer 1

It’s based around a rag

They include patterns of notes with particular ascending and descending notes.

They’re associated with seasons and time of day.

Sa is the tonic - Pa and Re are the other important notes (5th and 2nd).

Improvised around the rag and has some composed sections (in the gat) which is the most ornate part of the music - with slides and pitch bends.

Question 2

Structure of general Indian music

Answer 2

Alap:
Slow tempo
Free metre/time
Soloist explores notes & improvises
Accompanied by drone

Jhor:
Steady/medium tempo
Sense of regular pulse is set
Improvisation becomes rhythmic
The music is elaborated

Jhalla:
Fast/lively tempo
Fast pulse with exciting and complex rhythms
High point in piece
Virtuoso displayed using advanced playing techniques

Gat:
Moderate/fast tempo
Tabla introduces the rhythmic cycle (tal)
Fixed composition introduced
Musical dialogue between instrumentalist and drummer
Flourished improvisation happens on a prepared melodic line

Question 3

What are the main instruments in classical Indian music?

Answer 3

Tabla - a big and small drum
Sarod - like a sitar but shorter and with no frets
Esraj - bowed instrument with frets
Sitar - long, plucked instrument 
Sarangi - fret less bowed instrument
Bansuri - Indian bamboo flute

Question 4

How is Indian music usually learnt?

Answer 4

Through oral tradition and is passed through generations.