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Alapana

आलापन
SanskritSay it: aa · laa · pa · na
  • aa ee oo ē ō — long vowels: hold them twice as long

Free, unmetered exploration of a raga before a song

MusicBharatanatyamKuchipudiMohiniyattam

Meaning

Alapana is an improvised, unmetered opening that unfolds a raga without words or tala. In a recital it can set the mood before an item such as a padam or varnam.

Also written: alapanai, aalapana, alap, raga alapana

Sources

Related words

Varnamवर्णम्The centrepiece — the longest and most demanding item.RagaरागThe melodic framework a composition lives in.PadamపదంA slow expressional piece, usually of love or devotion.Swaraस्वरA musical note, named and sung.Mridangamमृदङ्गम्The double-headed drum that carries a Carnatic recital.TanpuraतानपूराThe long-necked drone instrument that holds the pitch

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