NAVYA C
THE POWER OF
FIVE NOTE
SCALES
The world of music comprises of seven notes of
increasing frequency levels – whether it is western or
Indian. As per Indian Music, the sapta swaras- seven
notes are given highest importance and value. Carnatic
Music in particular is known for being scale based with
the 72 full scale melakartha raaga system which has
complete seven note scales. Many Carnatic artists love to
choose these full scale ragas to perform at length and the
scope for aalapana, neravu and expressivity is definietly
top notch for seven note ragas.
But there is another curious combination in the World
of Music – not just confined to one particular genre.
It is nothing but the powerful five note combination
which has tremendous power to attract the audience
and also has versatile scope for expressing unique hues.
In Carnatic Music, raagas like Hamsadhwani, Mohana,
Hindolam, Suddha Saveri, Madhyamavati, Shivaranjani
– in short, many popularly admired ragas fall into this
“Five” category! Somehow, the expansion of five notes
alone in different octaves gives a fantastic experience
to the listeners. In fact, the convention of starting a
Carnatic concert with raaga Hamsadhwani and ending it
with Madhyamavati- both being pentatonic scales itself
is a living proof of their brilliance!
Pentatonic scales are greatly adapted even in Hindustani
music as well as Western Classical. While the full scales
of western music like Major and Minor are extensively
used in orchestra, the usage of pentatonic scales is
no less. It wouldn’t be surprising to know that every
pentatonic scale composition is a sureshot winner!
It would be interesting to know that the power of five
has expanded to Eastern territories as well in Chinese
musical genres. Many of their compositions are
essentially based on Carnatic Raaga Mohana- again a
most popular pentatonic scale!
Isn’t it brilliant to see a combination of just five notes
can bring a sublime effect on the mind? Even legends
like Dr.M.Balamurali Krishna came up with Prathi-
Madhyamavati (Madhyamavati with prati madhyamam)
spontaneously in a concert – leading to another fantastic
pentatonic scale!
There is a belief in Indian music discipline that singing
a full scale raga is more challenigng than a pentatonic or
the other scales. But,these pentatonic raagas are already
an inherent part of the system with their uniquness and
magical presence.
The power of five is something quite hard to ignore
or taken like a pinch of salt- because it is indeed quite
amazing and has a great aura surrounding. This aura
is universal, and transcends all musical genres- in fact,
music itself is beyond boundaries and languages!
The
Score Magazine
highonscore.com
29