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WHAT IS A "RAAG"?
A concept coming from Indian Classical Music; a Raag is a collection of melodic movements, microtones and moods to inspire various 'rasa' - states of peace, devotion and passion in both musician and listener alike.
Raags or Raaginis (female counterpart) are considered to have a spirit of their own, invoked by the precise adherence to the microtones and melodic structure of the Raag.
Properly invoked, a Raag has the capacity to bring physical, emotional and spiritual relief and nourishment - aligning and balancing the listener.
Raags are often linked to:
Particular stages / times of the day
( such as sunrise - Raag Bhairav )
Seasons
( such as Spring - Basant )
Meaningful events in life
( such as celebrations - Bihag )
Natural elements
( such as fire - Deepak )
One connects to the essence of a Raag through a teacher's example or consistent exposure and repetition of phrases and microtones associated.
The learning and assimilation of various compositions in a particular Raag aids in establishing a greater understanding and feeling for its spirit.
A performance of a Raag always begins with a slow unfolding of its specific notes. The exploration gradually builds to incorporate a pulse and greater intensity of expression.
In Indian classical music it is then followed by compositions set to various rhythms ( tala ) which, when accompanying sitar, are performed on tabla.
'Raagmala' of Raag Bhairavi - a painting depicting the mood of the Raag
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