NAVYA C
How important is notation in
Carnatic music ?
India is a country where learning ( whether it was arts or sciences ) was taught through gurus , directly transforming the knowledge and blessing vibes . The student had only chance to carefully remember the teacher ’ s rendition and that making nom mistakes .
However , western classical music is completely opposite to Indian Classical learning . All the western classical musicians found it difficult to sing a page and pages long composition just with memory . Say the example of “ Maathe Malayadhwaja ” set in raga Khamas has a lot of twists and turns -giving a great challenge to the singer .
It would be next to impossible for a young 7-year-old to perform “ Kamakashi ” swarjathi set in Raaga Bhairavi . But with a notation that is universally followed by all the Carnatic musicians , it becomes a great sigh of relief .
How much can I depend on notation for Carnatic Music ?
Having a notation book is a live savior especially for students who prefer to see and sing . But the biggest disadvantage with this practice is : They will lose connection to aesthetics and beauty . In the name of discipline , the vocalist is compelled to follow the notation . There are some singers who are in the midrange thinking-feeling that having a book will make them perfect performers .
However , learning a composition just doesn ’ t revisit the composition . The vocalist needs to completely get into the form of the raga and what the lyricist is actually and it is a challenge with a doubleedged sword . Leaving the notation book will set you free from these obstacles and keep you completely focused on the composition .
The vocalist has more than to present : the expressivity , going into the character , understanding the lyrics , and understanding the graph of the composition is also important . The “ getting in the grove ” in Carnatic music is nothing less than Classical Rock as music is all about bringing people together .
Known for its utmost discipline , Carnatic Music is heavily dependent on the notation but here is the good news . Once you get hold of the lyrics and understand the composer , you can see an actual difference in the way you sing !
As part of the new year resolution for 20222 , let ’ s sing without notation book and even if you forget some phrases and fill them with a different one . Take up smaller compositions and edge your way to legendary western classical musicians .
The Score Magazine
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