Carnatic Music Notations

 Carnatic Music Notations

Carnatic music notation, unlike Western notation, uses a system that combines symbols and text to indicate the pitches, rhythms, and articulations of the music. It is typically written in the native languages of South India, such as Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Sanskrit. Here is an overview of the essential elements and how to read and write Carnatic music notation.

Basic Components

1. Swaras (Notes):

   • There are seven basic swaras in Carnatic music: Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Da, Ni.
   • These correspond to the Western solfege syllables: Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti.
   • Each swara can have variations, leading to different pitches:
     • Ri (Rishabha): R1, R2, R3
     • Ga (Gandhara): G1, G2, G3
     • Ma (Madhyama): M1, M2
     • Da (Dhaivata): D1, D2, D3
     • Ni (Nishada): N1, N2, N3

2. Octaves:

   • Madhya Sthayi: Middle octave
   • Tara Sthayi: Higher octave (indicated with a dot above the swara, e.g., Ṡa)
   • Mandra Sthayi: Lower octave (indicated with a dot below the swara, e.g., S̤a)

Notation System

1. Basic Notation:

   • The notation is usually written using the Devanagari script or the local script (e.g., Tamil, Telugu).
   • A composition is written with swaras for melody and rhythm markings.

2. Timing and Rhythm:

   • Tala: The rhythmic cycle, indicated by symbols for beats (ta), kriya (hand movements), and counts (angas).
   • Common talas include Adi Tala (8 beats), Rupaka Tala (3 beats), and Misra Chapu (7 beats).

Example of Notation

Let's look at a simple Carnatic music notation example:

Sarali Varisai (Basic Exercise)

plaintext
||: S  R  G  M  | P  D  N  Ṡ :||  (Ascending)
||: Ṡ  N  D  P  | M  G  R  S :||  (Descending)

Here, S represents Shadjam, R represents Rishabha, and so on. The vertical bars | denote measures, and the double bar || indicates repetition.

Geetham (Simple Song)

Let's take the geetham "Sree Gananatha" in the raga Malahari:

plaintext
P  P  M  | G  R  S  | P  P  M  | G  R  S  ||
S  S  R  | M  G  R  | S  S  R  | M  G  R  ||

Annotations

1. Tempo and Speed:

   • Vilambita (Slow), Madhyama (Medium), and Druta (Fast).
   • Indicated by specifying the speed of the tala cycle.

2. Gamaka (Ornamentation):

   • Essential for the expression in Carnatic music.
   • Notated with specific symbols or described in text. Common gamakas include kampita (oscillation), jaaru (slide), and sphurita (jerk).

Learning Resources

1. Books:

   • "Ganamrutha Bodhini" by A.S. Panchapakesa Iyer
   • "Carnatic Music Reader" by A.S. Panchapakesa Iyer

2. Online Resources:

   • Websites like KarnATik.com provide notation and audio for various compositions.
   • YouTube tutorials and recordings by renowned artists.

3. Teachers:

   • Finding a guru (teacher) is essential for learning the nuances of Carnatic music, including the pronunciation of swaras, the correct use of gamakas, and the understanding of talas.

Conclusion

Carnatic music notation is a vital tool for preserving and transmitting the rich heritage of South Indian classical music. Understanding and mastering this notation system allows musicians to accurately interpret and perform compositions, ensuring the continuity and vitality of this ancient tradition.

YouTube Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npIK6l20pIQ