Rag Desh

Question 0

What are the 3 layers of Indian classical music?

Answer 0

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

Question 1

What form of music is Indian classical music?

Answer 1

Improvised

Question 2

What is a rag?

Answer 2

A pattern of notes. Different tags are associated with certain times of the day and year.

Question 3

Describe the rag Desh

Answer 3

The pattern on the way up is different to the way down. This rag is associated with the late evening and the monsoon season.

Question 4

What is a tal?

Answer 4

A cycle of beats that’s repeated and improvised during a performance.

Question 5

What is a sam?

Answer 5

The first beat in a tal which is often stressed by musicians.

Question 6

How does the rag progress in tempo?

Answer 6

Slow to fast

Question 7

What 3 parts are generally heard in a rag?

Answer 7

Alap, gat and jhalla

Question 8

Describe 3 features in the Alap

Answer 8

1. A slow introductory section 2. The notes and mood of the rag are introduced against a drone 3. There is no regular pulse and no percussion

Question 9

Describe 3 features in a Gat

Answer 9

1. A fixed composition that is improvised on by the solo instrument 2. The percussion enters 3. A clear pulse is introduced

Question 10

Describe 2 features in the Jhalla

Answer 10

1. A fast final section 2. Music becomes more virtuosic and decorative