Compositions Carnatic music

in contrast hindustani music of northern part of india, carnatic music taught , learned through compositions, encode many intricate musical details, providing scope free improvisation. every rendition of carnatic music composition different , unique embodies elements of composer s vision, musician s interpretation.

a carnatic composition has 2 elements, 1 being musical element, other being conveyed in composition. because of fact carnatic music compositions composed singing. in addition rich musical experience, each composition brings out knowledge , personality of composer, , hence words important musical element itself. poses special challenge musicians because rendering music not involve playing or singing correct musical notes; musicians expected understand conveyed composer in various languages, , sing musical phrases act create effect intended composer in his/her composition.

there many types/forms of compositions.

geethams , swarajatis (which have own peculiar composition structures) principally meant serve basic learning exercises.

compositions more commonly associated indian classical dance , indian devotional music have been increasingly used in carnatic music repertoire. performance of sanskrit sloka, tamil viruttam , telugu padyamu or sisapadya forms particularly unique. though these forms consist of lyric-based verses, musicians improvise raga phrases in free rhythm, alapana, both sound value, , meaning of text, guide musician through elaborate melodic improvisations. forms such divya prabandham, thevaram , ugabhoga performed similarly, however, these forms can have set melody , rhythm devaranama, javali, padam, thillana , thiruppugazh forms.

the common , significant forms in carnatic music varnam , kriti (or kirtanam).

varnam

varnams short metric pieces encapsulate main features , requirements of raga. features , rules of raga (also known sanchaaraas of raga) include how each note of raga should stressed, scale of raga, , on. varnams consist of lyrics, swara passages, including pallavi, anupallavi, muktayi swaras, charanam, , chittaswaras.

known complex structure, varnams fundamental form in carnatic music. varnams practised vocal exercises in multiple speeds performers of carnatic music, develop voice culture, , maintain proper pitch , control of rhythm. in carnatic music concerts, varnams performed musicians opening item – acting warm musicians, , means of grabbing attention of audience.

kriti

carnatic songs (kritis) varied in structure , style, consist of 3 units:

this kind of song called keerthanam or kriti. there other possible structures kriti, may in addition include swara passages named chittaswara. chittaswara consists of notes, , has no words. still others have verse @ end of charana, called madhyamakāla. sung after charana, @ double speed.