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Music

Let's uncover the musical instruments behind Bharatanatyam!

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Bhara-tunes

The musical instruments behind Bharatanatyam

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The cymbal is often used by the nattuvanar,  the person who takes the role of the conductor of the musical accompaniment. The cymbal supports the dancers by emphasising certain parts of the choreography. It also supports the orchestra by keeping them in the same beat. The Mridangam also emphasises certain moods of the dance by following the beat of the cymbals and the movement of the feet of the dancer. For example, loud drumming can show rage.

 

In dances that are dedicated to a specific deity, instruments associated with the particular God are often used to add authenticity and reality to the piece performed. The violin, flute or veena are used to support the vocalist and enhance the overall beauty of the song.

Carnatic Music

Carnatic music, also spelled as Karnatak or Karnatic, is most commonly used to accompany Bharatanatyam dances. This form of music is the music of Southern India that originated from Hindu traditions. Carnatic music focuses on the voice, and even musical instruments are played to imitate the sound of singing. This is the opposite of music in the North. Although raga (melody type, or framework for improvisation) and tala (cyclical rhythmic pattern) is the same for both regions, each has their own traditions and styles.

 

While carnatic music is mostly improvisational, there are several composed pieces by composers in the 16th and 20th century, such as the “trinity” of great composers of the early 19th century which consists of Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri.

Music in relation to Choreographers

Many would assume choreographers are mostly concerned with dance. However, choreographers must also have sufficient knowledge in musicality. This is especially true for Bharatanatyam choreographers as the choreography greatly depends on the music. A choreographer must be able to analyse the music and visualise dance moves while listening to the music.

 

They must also be able to identify music which is most suitable for the choreography they have in mind. Not all Carnatic music is suitable for Bharatanatyam, as the structure and flow of some compositions simply is not fit for dance. It is up to the choreographer to find music that not only fits Bharatanatyam, but also inspires the dancer to dance.

References

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Devaguptapu, D. (2019, March 26). The Music of Dance — A solo Bharatanatyam practitioner’s thoughts and approach. Medium. https://medium.com/@divyabhinaya/the-music-of-dance-a-solo-bharatanatyam-practitioners-thoughts-and-approach-7bb8204f910f

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Gilbert, M. (2019, February 5). Musical instruments used in Bharatanatyam. Our Pastimes. https://ourpastimes.com/musical-instruments-used-in-bharatanatyam-12216926.html

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Kalyani Kala Mandir. (n.d.). The utility of instrumental music in Bharatanatyam. https://kalyanikalamandir.com/resources/utility-of-instrumental-music/#:%7E:text=Aside%20from%20the%20vocal%20support,or%20beat%20or%20time%20cycle

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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2020, April 1). Karnatak music | History, Characteristics, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/art/Karnatak-music

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© Averil, Carmen, Janice and Lisha, First Year Students, Diploma in Arts Business Management, Ngee Ann Polytechnic. All rights reserved.

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