Indian classical

• What is the basis of Indian Classical Music?


  Indian Classical Music is based on ragas and talas.
• How many notes does a raga usually have?


  A raga usually has between 5 and 8 notes.
• How are ragas often described?


  Ragas are often described by their mood and expressions based on the notes they contain.
• What is the difference between ragas and Western scales?

  Some ragas include notes heard in Western music, but some are very different from Western scales.
• How is a raga typically performed?


  A raga is performed as a piece without strict beginnings and ends.
• What is a tala in Indian Classical Music?


  The tala is a rhythmic structure used in performances, existing alongside the raga.
• How were ragas and talas traditionally passed on?


  Ragas and talas were passed on from generation to generation orally.
• How do prospective musicians learn to play in India?


  They learn and practice playing from memory.
• What is a gharana in Indian classical music?

  A gharana is a school of players run by a teacher or guru with its own traditions.
• Spirituality is an important part of almost all Indian classical music.
• What is the Carnatic kirtan tradition in Southern India?

  Carnatic kirtans set words to a raga in praise of a particular Hindu god.
• What is a sitar?


  A sitar is a large, long-necked stringed instrument.
• How many strings does a seven-stringed sitar have for melody and drone?


  Five strings are plucked for melody and two create drone notes.
• What are sympathetic strings on a sitar?


  Sympathetic strings vibrate when the main strings are played, creating a thick sound.
• What can sitar players do to create pitch bends?


  Sitar players can pull strings to create pitch bends called meend.
• How many strings does a tambura usually have?


  A tambura usually has four metal strings but can have up to six.
• What is the tabla?


  The tabla is a pair of drums consisting of the smaller dayan and the larger baya.
• What is the shehnai?


  The shehnai is a bass oboe, which is a type of string instrument.
• What is the dholak?


  The dholak is an instrument with two heads, made of bamboo, played with the hands.
• What role does the melody play in a classical Indian group?


  The sitar usually plays the main melody in a classical Indian group.
• What must a raga scale always contain?


  A raga scale must always contain all of the notes of the scale.
• How can the notes of a raga be played differently?


  Some ragas have rules for the order in which notes can be played differently.
• What techniques can be used to emphasize or depress notes in a raga?


  Notes can be emphasized or depressed using special techniques.
• What is the role of the tabla in a raga performance?


  The tabla is the percussion instrument that creates sounds and rhythms.
• What are theka syllables in tabla playing?


  Theka syllables are sounds created by striking points on the drums.
• What is the cycle of beats in a tala called?


  The cycle of beats in a tala is called matras.
• What is the significance of the first beat in a tala?


  The first beat of a tala is called the sam, and all musicians play together on it.
• How is a tala structured?


  A tala is split into groups of beats called vibhags.
• What is the tambura's role in a raga performance?


  The tambura provides a drone based on notes from the raga.
• What is the typical structure of a raga performance?


  A typical raga performance has four sections: Alap, Jhor, Phala, and Gat or Bandish.
• What happens in the Alap section of a raga performance?


  In the Alap, the player introduces the notes of the chosen raga scale without beats.
• How does the Jhor section differ from the Alap?


  The Jhor section speeds up the music and introduces a steady beat.
• What characterizes the Phala section of a raga performance?


  The Phala section is much faster and feels more exciting than the previous sections.
• What occurs in the Gat or Bandish section?


  The Gat or Bandish features the tabla player and includes a pre-composed piece with improvisations.
• How can performances with the same raga sound different?


  Different pieces can be created using the same raga due to improvisation and instrumentation.
• What is the Baghly raga associated with?


  The Baghly raga is associated with nighttime during the rainy season.
• How has raga music influenced rock and pop music?


  Many rock and pop performers have been influenced by raga music since the 1960s.
• What is traditional bhangra originally played for?


  Traditional bhangra was originally played at harvest festivals.
• What is the key instrument in traditional bhangra?


  The key instrument in traditional bhangra is the dhol.
• What is the most popular rhythm in bhangra called?


  The most popular rhythm in bhangra is called the 'chaal'.