Terms and Definitions
Following are brief explanations of a few key terms that relate to the concepts of Music and Spirituality that you'll encounter on this website. I'll be the first to admit that I'm no expert on the theoretical or academic aspects of these terms, and this overview is not intended to be a complete dictionary. There are many learned musical gurus and teachers who can provide further information about these musical terms, as well as scores of print and electronic resources.
You’ll find good explanations of Carnatic Music terms, history and structure on Wikipedia, for example, though I'll warn you in advance that you may often find Carnatic music and Indian Classical music called “Hindu” music.
Carnatic Music – South Indian Classical style of music. Indian Classical music is broadly classified into two styles – Hindustani, the North Indian style and Carnatic.
Shruthi – The word Shruthi, derived from the Sanskrit language, refers to the musical pitch. Shrutis are intervals that convey a distinct and definite expression to the listener. In one ancient book on music, twenty-two nerves were identified in the heart region. The sounds of these nerves can be heard clearly, these are called Shrutis.
Saptak or Octave - There are three voice registers recognized by Indian musicologists. These are "Mandara Sthan" or "Mandara Sthayi" or chest register or lower octave, the "Madhya Sthan" or "Madhya Sthayi" or medium octave and the "Taara Sthaan" or "Taara Sthayi" or higher octave which produces the high notes. Each of these three is called an "Octave" and consists of seven notes or Swaras played in an order. The division of octaves is based on the normal and natural range of the human voice, so music mainly develops within three octaves. When singing, the lower octave has its place in the chest, the middle in the throat and the higher octave in head. There are 22 Shrutis in one octave.
Swara – A single note of music. Swaras were established by ancient saints.
Raga – A raga may be described as a combination of Swaras or notes that conform to specific rules and expression of melodies. Although the ragas were identified from melodies that conveyed different moods and gave different vibrations to different energy centers, the use of Swaras to clearly describe Ragas happened much later. The word Raga is derived from the Sanskrit word “Ranja,” which means “to please” or “to be agreeable.” Raga is a sweet combination of musical tones rendered in succession.
Raga Alapana – A specific technique of elaboration and expression of a Raga, it is rendered without rhythm (although there are unstructured speeds and implicit rhythm based expressions in advanced stages of Raga Alapana singing) and is rendered extempore. In Carnatic music, it is considered to be an advanced technique of expression and the ultimate indication of creativity and imagination of an artist.
Niraval – The technique of expressing a particular phrase or line in a song in multiple ways — conveying different expressions, variety and speeds. It's often used to bring out the essence or special significance of the song. The line chosen for Niraval usually also conveys a profound meaning relating to spirituality and devotion. It may also convey the poetic richness of a particular lyric. Niraval is considered to be an advanced technique of expression in Carnatic music.
Kalpana Swaras – Rendering of musical notes in a particular raga in multiple combinations, patterns and sequences as well as different speeds, the most important aspect is that this rendering happens extempore and out of creativity of the musician. It is not rehearsed or practiced and does not conform to a planned or memorized set of swaras. Once again, considered to be an advanced form of expression in Carnatic music.
Ragam Thanam Pallavi – A special structure or form of expression in Carnatic music involving Raga Alapana, Tanam (musical phrases rendered rhythmically) and a line of words that convey a profound meaning. This form of expression is the greatest challenge to the musician's creativity. It also involves mathematical expressions or variations of the line of lyric chosen as the Pallavi.
Bhakti - The feeling of devotion.
More Spiritual Musicopedia Articles
You’ll find good explanations of Carnatic Music terms, history and structure on Wikipedia, for example, though I'll warn you in advance that you may often find Carnatic music and Indian Classical music called “Hindu” music.
Carnatic Music – South Indian Classical style of music. Indian Classical music is broadly classified into two styles – Hindustani, the North Indian style and Carnatic.
Shruthi – The word Shruthi, derived from the Sanskrit language, refers to the musical pitch. Shrutis are intervals that convey a distinct and definite expression to the listener. In one ancient book on music, twenty-two nerves were identified in the heart region. The sounds of these nerves can be heard clearly, these are called Shrutis.
Saptak or Octave - There are three voice registers recognized by Indian musicologists. These are "Mandara Sthan" or "Mandara Sthayi" or chest register or lower octave, the "Madhya Sthan" or "Madhya Sthayi" or medium octave and the "Taara Sthaan" or "Taara Sthayi" or higher octave which produces the high notes. Each of these three is called an "Octave" and consists of seven notes or Swaras played in an order. The division of octaves is based on the normal and natural range of the human voice, so music mainly develops within three octaves. When singing, the lower octave has its place in the chest, the middle in the throat and the higher octave in head. There are 22 Shrutis in one octave.
Swara – A single note of music. Swaras were established by ancient saints.
Raga – A raga may be described as a combination of Swaras or notes that conform to specific rules and expression of melodies. Although the ragas were identified from melodies that conveyed different moods and gave different vibrations to different energy centers, the use of Swaras to clearly describe Ragas happened much later. The word Raga is derived from the Sanskrit word “Ranja,” which means “to please” or “to be agreeable.” Raga is a sweet combination of musical tones rendered in succession.
Raga Alapana – A specific technique of elaboration and expression of a Raga, it is rendered without rhythm (although there are unstructured speeds and implicit rhythm based expressions in advanced stages of Raga Alapana singing) and is rendered extempore. In Carnatic music, it is considered to be an advanced technique of expression and the ultimate indication of creativity and imagination of an artist.
Niraval – The technique of expressing a particular phrase or line in a song in multiple ways — conveying different expressions, variety and speeds. It's often used to bring out the essence or special significance of the song. The line chosen for Niraval usually also conveys a profound meaning relating to spirituality and devotion. It may also convey the poetic richness of a particular lyric. Niraval is considered to be an advanced technique of expression in Carnatic music.
Kalpana Swaras – Rendering of musical notes in a particular raga in multiple combinations, patterns and sequences as well as different speeds, the most important aspect is that this rendering happens extempore and out of creativity of the musician. It is not rehearsed or practiced and does not conform to a planned or memorized set of swaras. Once again, considered to be an advanced form of expression in Carnatic music.
Ragam Thanam Pallavi – A special structure or form of expression in Carnatic music involving Raga Alapana, Tanam (musical phrases rendered rhythmically) and a line of words that convey a profound meaning. This form of expression is the greatest challenge to the musician's creativity. It also involves mathematical expressions or variations of the line of lyric chosen as the Pallavi.
Bhakti - The feeling of devotion.
More Spiritual Musicopedia Articles