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Q1. Explain the different styles of Carnatic music and also highlights the similarities between the Hindustani style of music and the Carnatic style of music. (250 words, 15 Marks)
Approach:
- Introduction: Define the Carnatic music style.
- Body:
- Mention different styles of Carnatic music.
- Highlight the similarities between the Carnatic and Hindustani musical styles.
- Conclusion: Conclude suitably.
Answer:
Carnatic music gets its name from the Sanskrit word Karnâtaka Sangîtam, which also translates loosely as “traditional” or “codified” music. It is made up of a Ragam (means Raga) and Thalam (means Tala) system and has a long and distinguished history. The states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka are some of the southern Indian states where the Carnatic Sangeet has evolved.
Different Styles of Carnatic Music:
- Gitam: This particular style of music is taught to beginning musicians, and also its structure is very simple, with an easy & melodious rhythm of the music.
- Suladi: The musical structure & arrangement are very similar to that of gitam, however, they adhere to a higher standard than gitam.
- Varnam: It is a remarkable work of musical craftsmanship of the highest calibre that integrates all of the character traits of the raga in which it is written.
- Svarajati: This form of music is learned after taking a gitam course. It also serves as the foundation for learning the Varnams.
- Jatisvaram: The musical structure of this form of music is similar to svarajati, but it contains no sahitya or words. This is sung entirely in solfa syllables.
- Kirtanam: This style of music first appeared in the second half of the fourteenth century. The devotional content of the sahitya garners praise.
- Kriti: It is a highly developed musical form or style that evolved from Kirtana.
- Pada: Padas are intellectual compositions written in Telugu & Tamil languages.
- Javali: It is a type of light classical music. This form of music is sung in both concert programmes as well as in dance concerts and also is praised for the attractive melodies where it is written.
- Others are Thillana, Pallavi and Tanam etc.
Similarities Between the Styles of Carnatic and Hindustani Music:
- The fundamental components of swara, raga, and tala that serve as the foundation of both Carnatic and Hindustani music are the same, despite stylistic variances.
- While Carnatic music was created during the Bhakti Movement, Hindustani music was created during the Vedic Era. As a result, both have strong religious associations.
- One of the two primary sub-genres of Indian classical music that developed from prehistoric Hindu traditions is called Carnatic. The second sub-genre is called Hindustani, and it took on a distinct identity as a result of Persian and Islamic influences in North India.
- Sanskrit language scripts and Vedic traditions both aided in the evolution of music.
- Both of these systems revolve around the idea of a melodic mode, or raga, coupled with a rhythmic cycle, or tala.
Carnatic music has never been rigid with the ethos of its traditions of music. It is constantly evolving so as to enhance its global reach. With various music festivals featuring Carnatic music performances held across the world, this genre has definitely garnered notable appreciation and applause from audiences across the globe.
