Rag Desh general information

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Rag Desh general information

Key Features of Indian Classical music:

Indian Classical music is built up of three layers:

1. A melodic line played on a solo instrument

2. A rhythmic pattern played on the drums

3. A drone played on a stringed instrument

Melody

The melody is based on a rag. This is a pattern of notes which is a bit like a scale. Different rags are based on different times of the year. Rag Desh is associated with the late evening and monsoon season.

Rhythm

The rhythmic pattern is based on a tal. This is a cycle of beats that is repeated and improvised on during a performance.

The first beat in a tal is called the sam. It's often stressed by the musicians.

Structure

Performances of a rag are often in three different parts, progressing from a slow to fast tempo.

1. Alap:

-A slow introductory section

-The notes and mood of the rag are introduced against a drone

-There is no regular pulse and no percussion

2. Gat:

- A fixed composition that is improvised on by the solo instrument

- The percussion enters

- A clear pulse is introduced

3. Jhalla:

- A fast final section

-The music becomes more virtuosic and decorative