About Carnatic Music

About the Instruments

Violin

In south Indian music, the violin can function as either the lead voice or as an accompaniment. It is identical in construction to the western violin, however it is tuned in two ascending sets of perfect fifths (do sol, do sol.) The pitch of do is moveable, according to individual preference or, if accompanying, the soloists requirement. Playors anchor the scroll with one foot in order to facilitate the very rapid hand/arm movements which characterize south Indian violin playing. These movements, called gamakas, imitate an expressive shake, or embellishment, vocalists produce to emphasize certain notes in a raga.

Mridangam

The mridangam (mri-dung-gam) is a barrel-shaped percussion instrument made from a hollowed-out block of wood with a drumhead on each end. The right head is smaller than the left and is tuned to the main note, or do. The drumheads are fashioned from overlapping layers of skin, stretched with leather straps that run along the sides of the body. Each head produces a different tone. The pitch is adjusted by moving small wooden cylinders between the drum and the leather straps to increase or decrease tension on the heads. A patch of iron filings is placed on the higher drum; a patch of rice flour on the lower. The player can produce an array of different sounds using various finger striking techniques.

Tambura

The tambura, a drone instrument, is an essential part of every classical concert, north or south Indian. Players usually sit behind the main artist so he/she can constantly hear the drone. The number of strings varies from four to six, tuned to the pitches, do and sol in various octaves. Fine silk threads called jiva are carefully positioned between the bridge and the strings in order to enhance the effect of ringing overtones. Nowadays some artists use the electronic version of the tambura.