INSTRUMENTS
(Regular classes – Basic to advanced levels)
Music without a Pakka Vaadyam or Accompanying instruments, is like a peacock dancing without its Coverts spread open. In Carnatic Music there are many different kind of instruments that play a key role in adding to the aesthetics and zest of a composition. Be it a Thiagaraja Krithi or a Papanasam Shivam Composition, the song resonates the rhythm of the Devas and Devis with the nadams of the Mridangam or the dynamics of the Violin.
Veena (Vina)
An instrument symbolic to the Goddess Saraswathi, this comprises the family of Chordophone(stringed Instrument) from the Indian Sub-continent. It is an ancient musical instrument which evolved into many variations such as the Lutes, Zithers and Arched Harp. It is sometimes used as a Pakka Vaadyam. The many regional designs have different names such as Rudra Veena, the Saraswathi Veena, the Vichitra Veena and others. This instrument can produce pitches in full three-octave range. The long, hollow neck design allows portamento effects and legato ornaments that are found in Indian Ragas.
Violin
From the land that gave the world epics and the famous Verdi, Rossini, Bellini, Mercadante, Ricci and Donzetti, comes this instrument The Violin. Also known as the Fiddle, this too belongs to the family of Chordophone, the smallest and highest pitched in the family. Though not from India, the instrument has a bright and dynamic tone and the infinite varieties possible on its Fret-less fingerboard makes it suitable for almost any kind of music.
Mridangam
It is the union (Sandhi) of Mrit – Clay or Earth and Anga – Limb, as the earliest instrument was made of hardened clay. When The Lord Shiva did His Tandav, it is believed that His beloved Nandi played the Mridangam, causing a divine Rhythm to resound across the Heavens. Thus this instrument is also known as the “ Deva Vaadyam” or “ Divine Instrument.” Over the years this instrument has evolved to be made of different kind of wood due to its increased durability. It is believed that The Tabla, the Hindustani counterpart of the Mridangam was first constructed by splitting the latter in half. The Tala or Rhythm system was harnessed with the development of the Mridangam.
Its the primary rhythmic accompaniment in Carnatic ensemble and is often accompanied by the Ghatam, Kanjira and the Morsing.
Keyboard
: Modern day keyboard sounds like a piano but lacks its size and weight and was developed as recently as the 20th century. Though a western instrument, with a blend of pitch-bend and portamento, it can also work best for playing Carnatic music as this musical form is known for sliding between notes
