Notation in Varnam book

Miscellaneous topics on Carnatic music
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CHELLAM
Posts: 236
Joined: 19 Jun 2006, 23:12

Notation in Varnam book

Post by CHELLAM »

Can someone explain what the -dashes in between the Swaras
in the Varnam book denote
Thanking in advance

rrkaushik
Posts: 17
Joined: 11 Oct 2006, 20:16

Re: Notation in Varnam book

Post by rrkaushik »

Probably a futile attempt to get a music related post to the top, at least temporarily! :)

The dashes signify that the phrase should be sung together. For example (at least in the book I have), in the Mohanam varnam line 3 ( G P G G R S = ni) is a single musical phrase. Singing these phrases together ensures that the raga bhava associated with transitions between phrases is maintained. Keep in mind that the phrase markings are suggestions at best. There is considerable variation and musical freedom in deciding what constitutes a single "phrase". For example - in line 3/4, - S R G R G P G - P D P- D S D D P is the construction given for "la lo ka naa". I generally sing this entire section as a single phrase.

Hope that helps.

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