The 72 Melakarta Ragas: Exploring the Fundamentals of South Indian Classical Music
Indian classical music, also known as Carnatic music, is a rich and intricate musical tradition that has captivated audiences for centuries. At the heart of this musical system are the 72 Melakarta Ragas, which form the foundation of South Indian classical music. In this article, we will delve into the essence of these ragas, their relationship to Western music, and their unique mathematical characteristics.
Definition
The 72 Melakarta Ragas can be defined as a set of fundamental ragas in South Indian classical music. These ragas serve as the building blocks for countless musical compositions and improvisations in the Carnatic music tradition.
Subset of 12-tone scale
One intriguing aspect of the Melakarta Ragas is their relationship to the 12-tone scale commonly used in Western music. While Western music typically relies on 12 absolute notes, each with a specific frequency, Indian music takes a relative approach. The Melakarta Ragas are subsets of the 12-tone scale, carefully crafted to create distinct melodic structures and evoke specific emotions.
Tonal Constraints
To qualify as a Melakarta raga, a subset of tones must adhere to specific tonal constraints. One such constraint is the presence of the tonic (C) and perfect fifth (G), providing a solid foundation for the raga. These tonal constraints align with Western music’s emphasis on the tonic and the dominant, making the concept familiar to Western musicians.
Note Combinations
A Melakarta raga must incorporate specific combinations of notes to achieve its unique identity. It should include two of the four notes: D♭, D, E♭, and E. Similarly, it should encompass two of the four notes: A♭, A, B♭, and B. These note combinations contribute to the distinct melodic contours and mood of each raga.
Fourth Note Requirement
Another crucial requirement for a Melakarta raga is the inclusion of either the note F or F♯, representing the fourth note in the scale. This requirement adds further depth and variety to the melodic possibilities within each raga.
Total Options
By following these tonal and note combination rules, we arrive at a fascinating result: there are precisely 72 possible Melakarta ragas. This number is obtained by multiplying the options for the fourth note (2), the options for the D/E combination (6), and the options for the A/B combination (6). The resulting 72 ragas offer a vast array of melodic structures and emotions to explore within the South Indian classical music tradition.
Spiciness of Ragas
Each Melakarta raga possesses its own unique characteristics and mood. For instance, Mayamalavagowla is considered a spicier raga, known for its distinctive melodic patterns and evocative appeal. These ragas provide a rich palette of emotions and musical expressions for performers and listeners alike.
Janya Ragas
In addition to the Melakarta Ragas, there exists a vast repertoire of ragas called “janya ragas.” These ragas are derived from the 72 Melakarta ragas by omitting certain notes or employing other techniques. The janya ragas expand the possibilities even further, allowing musicians to explore nuanced variations and create unique musical experiences.
Sources
- John Carlos Baez. “Melakarta Ragas.” Available at: https://johncarlosbaez.wordpress.com/2023/12/30/melakarta-ragas/
- Skanda Vivek. “The Mathematics Behind Indian and Western Music.” Available at: https://medium.com/emergent-phenomena/the-mathematics-behind-indian-and-western-music-f00afc8c2416
- Wikipedia. “Indian classical music.” Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_classical_music
FAQs
What are the Melakarta Ragas?
The Melakarta Ragas are a set of fundamental ragas in South Indian classical music, also known as Carnatic music. They serve as the building blocks for countless musical compositions and improvisations in this rich musical tradition.
How are the Melakarta Ragas related to Western music?
The Melakarta Ragas are derived from a subset of the 12-tone scale used in Western music. While Western music relies on 12 absolute notes, Indian music takes a relative approach, creating distinct melodic structures within the 12-tone framework.
What are the tonal constraints for a Melakarta raga?
To qualify as a Melakarta raga, a subset of tones must adhere to specific tonal constraints. These include the presence of the tonic (C) and perfect fifth (G), providing a stable foundation for the raga’s melodic structure.
How are note combinations important in Melakarta ragas?
Note combinations play a crucial role in defining the identity of a Melakarta raga. Each raga must include specific combinations of notes, such as two of the four notes D♭, D, E♭, and E, and two of the four notes A♭, A, B♭, and B. These combinations contribute to the unique melodic contours and mood of each raga.
What is the significance of the fourth note in a Melakarta raga?
A Melakarta raga should include either the note F or F♯, representing the fourth note in the scale. This requirement adds depth and variety to the melodic possibilities within each raga, allowing for a broader range of musical expressions.
How many Melakarta ragas are there in total?
By following the tonal and note combination rules, there are precisely 72 possible Melakarta ragas. This number is obtained by multiplying the options for the fourth note (2), the options for the D/E combination (6), and the options for the A/B combination (6).
What distinguishes one Melakarta raga from another?
Each Melakarta raga possesses its own unique characteristics and mood. Factors such as the specific note combinations, melodic patterns, and ornamentations contribute to the distinct identity of each raga.
Are there variations or derivations of the Melakarta ragas?
Yes, there are additional ragas called “janya ragas” that are derived from the 72 Melakarta ragas. Janya ragas are formed by omitting certain notes or employing other techniques, allowing for further exploration and creativity within the South Indian classical music tradition.