Carnatic music is a system of music associated with South India, including the modern Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. It is one of the two main subgenres of Indian classical music that evolved from ancient Hindu traditions, the other subgenre being Hindustani music, which evolved as a distinct form around the 13th century.

Trinity of Carnatic Music

The 18th century is considered the golden age of Carnatic music, marked by the contributions of the "Trinity of Carnatic music":

• Tyagaraja (1767–1847): Composed thousands of devotional compositions, mostly in Telugu, in praise of Lord Rama. His kritis are known for their lyrical beauty and melodic complexity.
• Muthuswami Dikshitar (1775–1835): Composed primarily in Sanskrit, his kritis are known for their philosophical depth and intricate mathematical patterns.
• Shyama Sastri (1762–1827): Composed mainly in Telugu, his kritis are known for their rhythmic vitality and emphasis on the kalpana swara (improvised melodic passages).

Key Concepts and Forms

Carnatic music shares many fundamental concepts with Hindustani music, such as raga (melodic framework) and tala (rhythmic cycle), but it has its own unique characteristics:

• Kriti: This is the most common and central form of Carnatic music. A kriti typically consists of three parts:
  • Pallavi: The opening section, usually one or two lines, that sets the theme of the raga and tala.
  • Anupallavi: The second section, which expands on the pallavi and explores different melodic ideas.
  • Charanam: The concluding section, which is often the longest and most elaborate, and brings out the full range of the raga.
• Manodharma (Improvisation): While kritis provide a structured framework, Carnatic music places a strong emphasis on improvisation. Performers engage in various forms of manodharma, such as:
  • Alapana: A free-form, unmetered exploration of the raga, showcasing its melodic contours and emotional essence.
  • Kalpana Swaras: Improvised melodic passages sung using the solfa syllables (sa, ri, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni).
  • Tanam: A rhythmic improvisation without tala, focusing on intricate melodic patterns.
  • Thani Avarthanam: An elaborate percussive solo played by the mridangam artist.

Instruments

The primary instruments used in Carnatic music are:

• Vocal: The human voice is considered the most important instrument.
• Mridangam: A double-headed drum that provides the rhythmic accompaniment.
• Violin: Used as an accompanying instrument, it often plays in unison with the vocalist.
• Ghatam: A clay pot drum.
• Kanjira: A small frame drum with jingles.
• Veena: A plucked string instrument, often used for solo performances.
• Flute: A bamboo flute, also used for melodic accompaniment.