What you need to know to get started
- The mode (specific scale) is the melodic framework of a raga and defines the frequencies (notes) that are used in it.
- The Sa is the starting frequency, the fundamental or dominant note, the other note frequencies are divisions established on a scale of 12 notes starting from the Sa (fundamental note) to the upper Sa octave.The tanpura (drone) indicates the dominant (the Sa).
- In Indian classical music, there is no mixing of modes. The raga played comes to life in the prelude and unfolds in infinite variations within the framework of the frequencies And rules that define it.
On Indian music notation :
Notes are written with upper and lower case letters. Uppercase letters refer to the so-called "natural" (Shud) notes ; Lower case letters refer to "diminished" notes, (Komal) below their natural value (Only one note is increased, above its natural value, it is the Ma tivra which is written Ma+ ).
VIDEO 1 : Harmonization on Raga shud Re Asavari
We will slowly unfold the notes of Raga Asavari to immerse us in its clear and gentle vibration.
Raga Asavari is a melodious morning raga which expresses sweetness. It produces a soothing energy in the body, mind and environment. Reflecting a clear morning, raga Asavari inspires self-confidence, receptiveness and positivity.
Mantra: BHO SHAMBHO SHIVA SHAMBHO SWAYAMBHO
Meaning « Greetings to the benevolent Lord who bestows prosperity."
A powerful mantra to refocus, on a captivating melody with oriental hues.The mantra immediately evokes Rishikesh, the holy city of the Himalayan foothills, where the Ganges flows, gushing from the hair of the benevolent Shiva.
VIDEO 2 : Learning and singing the Gayatri Mantra
We will discover and learn the classical style melody of the Gayatri Mantra,on raga komal re Asavari.
The Gayatri is believed to be one of the oldest and most sacred phrases uttered in the Vedas (ancient revealed scriptures). It is considered as the quintessence of the Vedas of ancient India. It refers to the liberating Light of the Self’s pure Consciousness. When we sing it regularly, a flow of energy is awakened in the subtle body.
Mantra :
OṂ BHUVAḤ BHUVAḤ SVAḤ
TÁT SAVITÚR VÁREṆYAṂ
BHÁRGO DEVÁSYA DHĪMAHI
DHÍYO YÓ NAḤ NAḤ
Meaning « We meditate on That most adorable Sun, whose effulgence (divine light) illumines all realms (physical, mental and spiritual). May this divine light illumine our intellect. »
VIDEO 3 : Gayatri Mantra chant with a 12 beats rhythm
Now that the GAYATRI MANTRA melody is familiar, we will learn to sing it on an 12 beats rhythmic cycle (Chau taal), played on the ancient Indian drum « Packawaj ».
Mantra :
OṂ BHUVAḤ BHUVAḤ SVAḤ
TÁT SAVITÚR VÁREṆYAṂ
BHÁRGO DEVÁSYA DHĪMAHI
DHÍYO YÓ NAḤ NAḤ
Meaning « We meditate on That most adorable Sun, whose effulgence (divine light) illumines all realms (physical, mental and spiritual). May this divine light illumine our intellect. »
Rythmic cycle : Chau taal, 12 beats, often used in Dhrupad style music
Da Da Din Ta, Kete Da Din Ta, tete Kete Gadi Gene
VIDEO 4 : Kirtan Arunachala, asavari shud Re
Devotional chant in Kirtan style, dedicated to Arunachala, the sacred mountain that symbolizes Shiva, in the southern Indian holy city of Tiruvannamalai. "Arunachala Shiva" is the favourite mantra of Sri Ramana Maharshi. The master lived for many years in a hermitage on the slope of Arunachala.
Mantra : ARUNACHALA SHIVA
Meaning « Ode to the sacred mountain which is an embodiment of Shiva »
Rythmic cycle : Keherwa taal, 8 beats, is one of the easiest to catch, and is often used in devotional and folk music
Keherwa taal : Da Ge Na te Ta Ke Din naContenu de bascule
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