AOS:4Indian Music

Lesson 3: Versions 2 and 3 of Rag Desh

STARTER ACTIVITY – Matching terms and definitions

• Match each of the Indian Music key terms on the left with its correct definition (or definitions!) from the right. Write the correct letter in the answer column.

• Discuss answers

Learning objectives

• Revise terminology • Analyse versions 2 and 3 of Rag

Desh, in terms of musical features and the elements of music.

• To answer a GCSE-style “Section A” listening question based on Rag Desh

Learning Outcomes

Grade E (working towards) All Pupils : • Know the meanings of the termsGrade C (working at) Most Pupils • Identify some musical features from

set work in a listening task • Show some awareness of the

differences in performance between different performances of Rag Desh

Grade A (working beyond/GAT) Some Pupils :

• Answer most questions correctly in a listening task from set work

Recap of Rag Desh: Quick fire questions

• When is this Rag normally played?• What does Rag Desh mean?• What is the word for “mood”?• What are the moods expresses by this Rag?• What is the meaning of “thumri”?• What is rasa?• What is meend?• What is tan?

What is the Structure of a raga performance• Section 1-

• Section 2-

• Section 3-

• Section 4-

- Slow - Free time (no pulse or rhythm- Exploring the notes of the rag asc & desc-Improvised -Ornamentation-SITAR & TAMBURA

- Improvised music becomes more rhythmic- Music becomes more elaborate- Tempo increases - sense of pulse-SITAR & TAMBURA

- High point in piece - Gradually gets faster and faster- Virtuoso display using advanced playing techniques-SITAR & TAMBURA

- Fixed composition - Moderate to fast- Tabla enters, introduces the rhythmic cycle- tala-SITAR,TAMBURA & TABLA

Bandish if it’s a Song

Recap: Notes used in Rag desh

• The notes used in rag desh are based on the Indian system known as sargam in which the notes are named:

Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa• The tonic note is C (Sa) and this forms the principal drone note.

• The notes in Rag Desh are: C D F G B C Bb A G F E D C

Sa Re Ma Pa Ni Sa Ni Dha Pa Ma Ga Re Sa

5 notes in

ascending part:

pentatonic

Version 2: Mhara janam maranperformed by Chiranji Tanwar (voice)

Instruments: voice, sarangi, pakhawaj, cymbals and tabla

The Pakhavaj, also called Mardal, Pakhawaj, Pakuaj, Pakhvaj, Pakavaj or Mardala, is an Indian barrel-shaped, two-headed drum, the North Indian equivalent to the Southern mridangam. It is the standard percussion instrument and is widely used as an accompaniment for various forms of music and dance performances. The pakhavaj has a low, mellow tone, very rich in harmonics.

Version 2 : Mhara janam maran

• This song is a Hindu devotional song from Rajasthan and is known as a bhajan.

• The song tells of tender waiting in longing anticipation of the arrival of Lord Krishna in the morning.

• The words in translation from the Hindu are:You are my companion through life and death and I cannot forget

you night and day.My heart pines for you and I feel totally restless when I am not able

to see you.• Structure:Two movements- alap, bhajan (song)

Lord Krishna

Version 2 : Mhara janam maran

Keherwa tal (eight beats): (2 + 2 + 2 + 2)1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

Clap clap wave clap

Listening and Understanding Version 2: Mhara janam maran

performed by Chiranji Tanwar (voice)

• Watch the video of V2 and annotate your score or make notes in your green book

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBDr5Rpqm0Q&feature=related

Version 2: Mhara janam maran Features

Time Section Features

0.00 – 0.50

Alap • Short introduction as the sarod player, then the singer, vocalises a melody in free time based on the notes of the rag. This is a version of the chorus from the song.

0.50- end

Bhajan • Fixed composition- song in verse form.• The tabla joins in at 0.50.•Short sarod solo at 1.10. Short sarangi solo at 1.22.•The dynamics and tempo increase and the music becomes fast and exciting.•The pattern established is a verse (heard at 1.32/3.04 and 4.50) followed by the first line used as a refrain (chorus), followed by more solos for sarod and sarangai.