The first strings

While essaying to get closer to Carnatic music, let us first examine what this form of music is all about. The tone for a concert or a cutcheri is set with the resonance of the tambura — the instrument that provides the sruti. And sruti is the pitch, the base chosen by the artiste. From total fusion of music with sruti, is born good music. Moreover, the sapta swaras, the seven notes – sa re ga ma pa da ni, each has its characteristic position called the swara sthana. Even a minute digression from the precise sthana will result in jarring music. Respect to the swara sthanas, an undiluted adherence to sruti and to laya or rhythm, create divine musical sounds. The importance of these nodal factors cannot be undermined.

The method of presenting Carnatic music is unique. The swaras, that form the crux of all music, are rendered with a certain stress on them, polished with embellishing graces and curves. This distinguishing part of Carnatic music is called the gamaka — a vital element that absorbs the plain and transforms it into a melody of beauty. To me, a gamaka does to music what a smile does to a face. It is an indispensable feature but which swara is to be treated with gamaka in what dosage and manner is something words cannot describe. It has to be imbibed from a guru.

Further, what you need to remember at the very onset is that Carnatic music sets great store by compositions. The wealth that is available in the form of sahitya or lyrical matter is immense. But wait, lest you begin to think it’s a simple job of presenting someone else’s creations. Expertise in rendition is one, but Carnatic music is fundamentally manodharma sangitam, giving extensive scope for extempore creativity in diverse angles. Creativity that allows the musician to ramble as his artistic capabilities guide him and finally to generate an output that satisfies the performer and the listener.

One important aspect of classical music is that it is not music for the masses and nor is it meant to titillate the nerves. But rather it’s a domain that could transport you to sublime ethereal heights. You could listen in for the love of listening. You could take a close peek at it and find it’s not so alien after all. It’s very comprehensible and it offers tons of listening joy. So keep listening and with this series get better acquainted with the practical elements of Carnatic music.

Let me quote Tyagaraja, the greatest of great Carnatic composers. In one of his songs, he asserted that the knowledge of the science of music conduces to divine bliss. Indisputably true.Vasumathi Badrinathan is a professional Carnatic vocalist