This is the notated supplement to this Korvai Lesson #1 video. Watch the video and try to learn the material that way before consulting the notation below! Continue reading
Tag Archives: indian rhythm
Korvai Lesson # 1 (Video)
Hi! Sorry for the hiatus. But I’m back with the first korvai lesson for naanfunctionalharmony! Korvai’s are a major part of Carnatic music and konnakol language. Think of them as miniature rhythmic compositions. They exist in two parts: the purvangam (the questions) and the utrangam (the answer). They typically start on beat 1 and end on beat 1. Check out the video below. You can find the notated supplement to this lesson here: korvai lesson #1 (notation)
Written syllables for this korvai:
Purvangam (Question)
Di thankita taka tari kita taka Din
Di thankita taka tari kita taka Din
Di thankita taka tari kita taka Din
Utrangam (Answer)
Tha thom tha din gi na thom Tham
Tha thom tha din gi na thom Tham
Tha thom tha din gi na thom Tham – say this last “Tham” third time only. Otherwise omit and loop back to the start of the Purvangam.
Di thankita taka tari kita taka = 8 beats
Din = 4 beats
Tha thom tha din gi na thom = 8 beats
Tham = 2 beats
To Jodhpur (Audio & Notation)
My piece “To Jodhpur” is inspired by the Carnatic rhythmic phrase:
Takadimi Tham, Takita Tham, Taka Tham, Ta Tham
This rhythmic structure and its variations are very common in the konnakol language. The rest of piece features expanding and dminishing rhythmic statements, appearing in the melody and in harmonic progressions. Audio and a notated lead sheet are below. Feel free to download a copy of the chart at the bottom of the page.
Tham, Thongu, Din & Din Thongu – Gaps (Notation)
This lesson introduces the very important concept of gaps or spaces in the konnakol language. Tham, Thongu, Din and Din Thongu can be added to the end of phrases to augment ideas and increase rhythmic tension. Familiarity with these phrases will also make learning advanced phrases found in Korvais simpler. Ultimately a handle on these gaps allows long chains of rhythmic ideas to flow, breath and achieve a higher sense of musicality. Audio and video elements will supplement this content and be uploaded shortly. A downloadable pdf of this lessons is available at the bottom of the page. Continue reading
Kanda Chapu – Subdivision Exercise 2 (Notation)
This is supporting notation to the Kanda Chapu – Subdivision Exercise 2 video. Learn the material from the video first before consulting the notated materials. Continue reading
Kanda Chapu – Subdivision Exercise 2 (Video)
Here’s the second Kanda Chapu subdivision exercise video. Check out the first exercise video as feeling comfortable with the exercise in its simplest form will make this subsequent exercise easier to execute.
Kanda Chapu – Subdivision Exercise 1 (Notation)
This is supporting notation to the Kanda Chapu – Subdivision Exercise 1. Check out the video first and try to learn this by ear before consulting the notation. Continue reading
Kanda Chapu – Subdivision Exercise 1 (Video)
Here’s a great subdivision exercise in Kanda Chapu, which can be interpreted as 5/4 time. The thalum or tala is shown by waving or clapping on beat one; clapping on beat 3; and clapping on beat 4. Master this exercise as the next lesson will build upon the basics covered here.
Misra Chapu – Subdivision Exercise 3 (Video)
Here’s another subdivision exercise in misra chapu. This exercise introduces the dotted quarter note subdivision to the phrase. Understanding this phrase, in addition to the first and second one, will dramatically improve flow and comfort in 7/4 time. Give it a try!
Misra Chapu 7 Beat Cycle – Subdivision Exercise 1 (Notation)
This is the supporting notated content to the video Misra Chapu Subdivision Exercise 1. Make sure to check out the video first before viewing the notated music.
A Hybrid Approach to Jazz 