Lecture on Music Theory Levels and Notations 🎶
Basics of Music Theory Levels
- The alphabets in music are arranged in a ladder, not in a straight line.
- Steps in the ladder:
- Sa (First step): sa
- Re (Second step): re
- Ga (Third step): ga
- Ma (Fourth step): ma
- Pa (Fifth step): pa
- Ne and Ni (Additional levels)
- Important Point: The third level is the most significant in music theory.
Identification of Music Levels
- Each level is identified by dots placed around the letter:
- First Level (Anu): Two dots below the letter.
- Second Level (Mandra): One dot below the letter.
- Third Level (Madya): No dots (most important).
- Fourth Level (Tara): One dot above the letter.
- Fifth Level (Ati): Two dots above the letter.
The Saptaswaras (Alphabets of Music)
- Sa
- Re
- Ga
- Ma
- Pa
- Dha
- Ni
- Note: Each level contains all seven notes.
- Notation Dots: Differentiates the same note in different levels.
Natural and Variated Notes
- Natural Notes (Prakriti): Sa and Pa
- Variated Notes (Vikriti): Re, Ga, Ma, Dha, Ni
- Variated into lighter and darker versions.
- Total Notes: 12 (7 basic + 5 variations)
- Example of Variations: Pragati and Vikriti
Parent and Child Ragas
- Parent Raga: Must follow strict rules and include all seven notes (Sa, Ra, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni).
- Child Raga: Follows fewer rules and is derived from Parent Raga.
- Upanga Raga: Closely follows Parent Raga’s structure.
- Bhashanga Raga: Deviates, adding extra notes not in the Parent Raga.
Notation of the Notes
- Sa (Samam): Basic note, no variation.
- Re (Rishabham) Variations: Shuddi (Softer), Chatusruti (Harder)
- Ga (Gandhar) Variations: Shudda, Antara
- Ma (Madhyamam) Variations: Shuddha, Prathi
- Pa (Panchamam): No variation
- Dha (Dhaivatham) Variations: Shudha, Chatushruti
- Ni (Nishadam) Variations: Shudha, Kaisiki
Levels of Alphabets in Notations
- Basic 7 Notes: Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni
- Variated Notes Count: Two variations for each note (excluding Sa and Pa).
- Dwadasa Swaras: 12 notes in total after including variations.
Sa, Ra, Ga, Pa, and Ma Forms
- Ascending (Arohanam) and Descending (Avarohanam) patterns must be declared to understand the variation used.
Writing the Grids for Patterns
- Example of Maya Mal: Re1, Ga1, Ma1, Dha1, Ni2
- Comparisons of Different Ragas: Example with Sankarabharanam (Re2, Ga2, etc.)
Tal and Kalas in Music Theory
- Adhi Thalam: Different speeds (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.)
- Prathi Kala: Basic speed with one note per beat.
- Dwathi Kala: Second speed with two notes per beat.
- Thirthi Kala: Third speed with four notes per beat, followed by more complex speeds.
Arohana and Avarohana in Different Ragas
- Essential to identify the swaras used in a specific Raga.
- Example Ragas Explained: Charukeshi, Sankarabharanam
Terminology and Definitions
- Arohanam: Ascending pattern of notes
- Avarohanam: Descending pattern of notes
- Swara: Musical note, such as Sa or Pa
- Raga: Melody type, rules on which notes to follow, the emotional quality imparted.
Practical Exercises & Example Ragas
- Exploring different Ragas and identifying their Parent and Child structures.
- Understanding why some Ragas have specific emotional and melodic variations.
Closing Questions and Doubts Clarified
- Clarifications on different concepts like Upanga Ragas and Bhashanga Ragas.
- Explanation of Prana (Life energy) and Agni (Fire) in the context of NADA (sound).
Upcoming Topics
- Talum Details: Practical understanding and examples in the next class.
Thank you to those who contributed to the materials and discussion points. Concentrate on understanding the concepts, and you can review the recording for more detailed notes later.
End of Lecture Notes