Korvai

கோர்வை

Tamilkōr · vai

aa ee oo ē ō — long vowels: hold them twice as long

A rhythmic composition, usually stated three times.

RhythmBharatanatyam

Meaning

A korvai is a constructed rhythmic phrase, characteristically repeated three times so that it resolves exactly on the first beat of the cycle. Building one is a craft in itself: the arithmetic must work out precisely, and the pleasure for an informed audience is hearing it land.

Also written: korvei

Related words

JathiजतिA passage of pure rhythmic dance.TalaतालThe rhythmic cycle a piece is set in.Teermanamதீர்மானம்A concluding rhythmic phrase that closes a passage.Sollukattuசொல்லுக்கட்டுThe spoken rhythmic syllables dancers move to.Nattuvangamநட்டுவாங்கம்Conducting the recital with cymbals and spoken syllables.TihaiतिहाईA phrase repeated three times to land on the first beat.

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