Sargam (music)
Encyclopedia
In Hindustani music, sargam refers to singing the note
s instead of the words of a composition
, with use of various ornamentations such as meend
, gamak
, kan and khatka, as part of a khyal
performance. This is generally done in medium-tempo as a bridge between the alap
and taan
portions. As an example, one could sing PMRSNSRRSRNSPNMPGMNNPMGMRSNS in raga
Adana (see swara
for explanation of the notes).
The use of sargam in khyal performances was introduced by Abdul Karim Khan
, who was inspired by its use in Carnatic music
. Aman Ali Khan further refined its use and made it an integral part of the Bhendibazaar style
. Many of the khyal styles
today use sargam to some extent, with the exception of the Jaipur-Atrauli
and Gwalior
styles.
Swara
The seven notes of the scale , in Indian music are named shadja, rishabh, gandhar, madhyam, pancham, dhaivat and nishad, and are shortened to Sa, Ri or Re , Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni and written S, R, G, M, P, D, N. Collectively these notes are known as the sargam...
s instead of the words of a composition
Bandish
Bandish, Cheez or Gat is a fixed, melodic composition in Hindustani vocal or instrumental music. It is set in a specific raga, performed with rhythmic accompaniment by a tabla or pakhavaj, a steady drone, and melodic accompaniment by a sarangi, violin or harmonium. There are different ways of...
, with use of various ornamentations such as meend
Meend
In Hindustani music, meend refers to a glide from one note to another. It is an essential performance practice, and is used often in vocal and instrumental music. On the veena, sitar, and other plucked stringed instruments, it is usually done by pushing the strings across the frets to vary their...
, gamak
Gamak
Gamaka, also known as gamak or gamakam, refers to ornamentation that is used in the performance of Indian classical music. The unique character of each raga is given by its gamakas, making their role essential rather than decorative in Indian music...
, kan and khatka, as part of a khyal
Khyal
Khyal is the modern genre of classical singing in North India. Its name comes from an Arabic word meaning "imagination". It is thought to have developed out of the qawwali singing style. It appeared more recently than dhrupad, is a more free and flexible form, and it provides greater scope for...
performance. This is generally done in medium-tempo as a bridge between the alap
Alap
The alap is the opening section of a typical North Indian classical performance. It is a form of melodic improvisation that introduces and develops a raga...
and taan
Taan
You may be looking for either:*Taan , a virtuosic technique used in North Indian classical vocal music*Faerûn - A region of the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting. It includes the Endless Wastes, the Quoya Desert, Ejen Horo, and the Plain of Horses...
portions. As an example, one could sing PMRSNSRRSRNSPNMPGMNNPMGMRSNS in raga
Raga
A raga is one of the melodic modes used in Indian classical music.It is a series of five or more musical notes upon which a melody is made...
Adana (see swara
Swara
The seven notes of the scale , in Indian music are named shadja, rishabh, gandhar, madhyam, pancham, dhaivat and nishad, and are shortened to Sa, Ri or Re , Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni and written S, R, G, M, P, D, N. Collectively these notes are known as the sargam...
for explanation of the notes).
The use of sargam in khyal performances was introduced by Abdul Karim Khan
Abdul Karim Khan
Ustad Abdul Karim Khan , was an Indian classical singer of the Kairana gharana .-Early life and background:...
, who was inspired by its use in Carnatic music
Carnatic music
Carnatic music is a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, with its area roughly confined to four modern states of India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu...
. Aman Ali Khan further refined its use and made it an integral part of the Bhendibazaar style
Bhendibazaar gharana
-History and features:The Bhendibazaar gharana was founded around 1890 by brothers Chhajju Khan, Nazir Khan and Khadim Hussain Khan in the Bhendi bazaar area of Mumbai...
. Many of the khyal styles
Gharana
In Hindustani music, a gharānā is a system of social organization linking musicians or dancers by lineage or apprenticeship, and by adherence to a particular musical style. A gharana also indicates a comprehensive musicological ideology. This ideology sometimes changes substantially from one...
today use sargam to some extent, with the exception of the Jaipur-Atrauli
Jaipur-Atrauli gharana
The Jaipur-Atrauli gharana is a Khayal-based stylized singing family-hood , founded by Utd. Alladiya Khan in the late 19th century...
and Gwalior
Gwalior gharana
The Gwalior Gharana is one of the oldest Khyal Gharanas. The rise of the Gwalior Gharana started with the reign of the great Mughal emperor Akbar...
styles.