Discuss the Salient Features of Carnatic Classical Music.

Carnatic Classical Music Features

Like all art forms in Indian culture, Carnatic music is believed to have a divine origin. it is believed to have input from the Devas and Devis. However, it is also generally accepted, that the natural origins of music were an important factor in the development of Carnatic music. The main emphasis in Carnatic music is on vocal music most compositions are written to be sung, and even when played, on instruments, they are meant to be performed in a singing style.

Like Hindustani music, Carnatic music rests on two, main elements raga, the modes and tala, the rhythmic cycles. Carnatic music is practised and presented today by musicians in concerts or recordings, either vocally or through instruments. Carnatic music itself developed around musical works or compositions of phenomenal composers. Carnatic music, is known as one of the two styles of Indian classical music, the other being Hindustani music. Its classical tradition is from the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, and its area roughly corresponds to the four modem states of South India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

Carnatic music is traditionally taught according to the system formulated by Purandara Dasa. This involves swaravalis , alankaras , Geethams or simple songs, and Swarajatis. After the student has reached a certain standard, Varnarns are taught, and later,’ the student learns Kritis. It typically takes several years of learning before a student is adept enough to perform at a concert.

Popularly referred to as the female trinity of the Carnatic music, M. L. Vasanthakumari, M. S. Subbulakshmi G. N. Balasubramaniam and Madurai Mani Iyer created a golden era for Carnatic music during the mid to late twentieth century. While D. K. Pattammal no longer performs in public concerts, she is the only survivor of those who helped create the Golden era for Carnatic music. T. N. Seshagopalan and Neyveli Santhanagopalan remain popular, even today. Popular vocalists of today include Nithyashree Mahadevan, Sudha Ragunathan, P. Unni Krishnan, Aruna Sairam, Priya Sisters, S. Sowmya, Prince Rama Varma, Sanjay Subrahmanyan, Sreevalsan J. Menon, Bombay Jayashri Ramnath, Ranjani and Gayatri.