NAVYA C
Top 7 Classical Ragas to HEAR THIS Margazhi Season
Margazhi is the season for celebrating the grandeur of Carnatic Classical music . From experts to classical music connoisseurs , the ambiance is bright with exclusive concerts , featuring expert musicians throughout the month . We bring you the top seven classical ragas to hear this Margazhi season to make the year-end even more memorable .
1 . Kharaharapriya : It is said that this raaga is one of the first scales that was discovered since the inception of Classical music centuries ago . It would be interesting to note that western classical music also celebrates this scale with the name Dorian . However , the treatment of Kharaharapriya is amazingly beautiful in Carnatic compositions . Being a full-scale raaga ( where all the seven notes are present ), multiple artists have brought the best of it . We recommend listening to Chakkani Raaga Maargamu and Pakkala Nilabadi – incidentally both these compositions are penned by Saint Thyagaraja .
2 . Kalyani : The beauty of Kalyani raaga lies in its prathi madhyamam ( the note ma with a slightly higher frequency than the suddha madhyamam ). Suitable for a range of emotions such as love , devotion and even spirituality , Kalyani is a golden favorite for Carnatic music lovers . Sundari Neevanti , Vasudevayani by Saint Thyagaraja and Himadri Suthe by Syama Sastry are must-listens in this raaga .
3 . Hamsadhwani : Unlike the full scale ragas where all the notes are present , Carnatic music pays great emphasis on pentatonic scales as well . Hamsadhwani is one such most celebrated scale and as per the norms , it is a perfect raaga for opening a concert . Vaatapi Ganapathim by Mt . Dikshitar and Vinayaka Ninu by Veena Kuppaiyar are our picks for this season .
4 . Charukesi : A peculiar raaga with interesting melodic progression , Charukesi a wonder by itself . It perfectly suits the wintry chill and sets the mood instantly . This raaga has been popularly explored in Hindustani Music as well with the same name . Listen to Saint Thyagaraja ’ s Aadamodi Galada – a masterpiece in itself .
5 . Kedaragowla : This fullscale raaga speaks of grandeur , royal feels and powerful vibe . Kedaragowla might have similarities with the ever-popular scale Shankarabharanam but a beauty in itself . Carnatic music is all about treating the notes with unique approach and Kedaragowla perfectly matches this definition . Listen to the suave composition Venu Gaana
Loluni penned by Thyagaraja to experience the divine .
6 . Aarabhi : To make the wintry days brighter with musical tones , Aarabhi is the perfect choice . The raaga has been heavily explored by ancient and modern composers alike . Moreover , it instantly sets the pristine environment within no time . Listen to Saint Thyagaraja ’ s pancharatna kriti Saadhinchene , and Mt . Dikshitar ’ s Sri Saraswati set in the same raaga .
7 . Shanmukhapriya : A peculiar raaga that is a jewel exclusively present in Carnatic Music , Shanmukhapriya is amazing in every respect . The progression of the scale evokes multitudes of emotions and every composer treats it in a different manner . We recommend Marivere Dikkevarayya by Saint Thyagaraja and Valli Naayaka Neeve by the experimental composer Muttaiah Bhagavatar in this gifted raaga .
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