Raga
A melodic identity shaped by notes, phrases and ornamentation.
A raga gives music a recognisable melodic character. Its svaras matter, but so do their movement, emphasis, intonation, register and gamaka.
Reading a raga page
- Arohana / avarohana: the ascending and descending outlines.
- Characteristic movement: phrases, turns and approaches that reveal its identity.
- Gamaka: the shaping or ornamentation of a note.
- Compositions: musical examples in which that identity can be heard.
Two ragas may use similar notes and still sound different. Begin with Abhogi or Mohanam.