The rendition of a khayal recital is typically divided into two parts: Bara (great) khayal and Chhota (small) khayal. During bara khayal, the artist is expected to cover a range of subjects, ideally giving importance to all musical elements such as melody, rhythm and technique, with a slow and contemplative beginning to invoke the very mood of the raga. The lyrical as well as melodic content of bara khayal compositions are devotional or romantic, and they are set in vilambit laya (slow tempo).
Bara khayal is followed by a madhya or drut laya (fast tempo) in chhota khayal. Here the artist carries the mood created during the earlier part of the recital to its crescendo. The acceleration is maintained during the performance with increasing complexity of taans and interplay with rhythm. The compositions written for chhota khayal have syllabic text settings appropriate for the faster tempo. The performing ensemble for khayal consists of a lead soloist, an accompanist on a melody producing instrument such as harmonium or sarangi (bowed lute), a tabla (drum) player and one or two tanpura players to provide continuous drone. A possible addition to the basic ensemble would be a supporting singer. The role of the accompanists is to complement the lead vocals by repeating ends of phrases during short breaks.
The other forms of Indian classical vocal music include dhrupad, dhamar, tappa, tarana, thumri, hori and bhajan. Of all, dhrupad is considered to be the oldest classical vocal form. It is generally accompanied by tanpura and pakhawaj. Dhrupad compositions are set in a 12 beat rhythmic cycle. Dhamar compositions are akin to dhrupad and enjoy an identical status. They are set in a 14 beat rhythmic cycle. Because of their structured style of singing, both dhrupad and dhamar do not allow as many elaborate and extempore improvisations as khayal. Tarana is a style consisting of particular syllables woven into rhythmic patterns as a song and it is usually sung in the faster tempo. The creation of this style of singing is believed to have originated to bring out the tantrakari, or the discreteness of instrumental music, in vocal music.
Tappa has its origin in Punjab. Its beauty lies in quick and intricate display of permutations of notes. Thumri is believed to have originated in Uttar Pradesh. It is the lighter form of Indian classical music. Its most distinct feature is the amorous subject matter that picturesquely portrays the play of Lord Krishna with Radha. It can be viewed as an unconstrained form of khayal singing. Hori compositions are mainly sung in the style of thumri and are associated with the festival of hori (the festival of colors). The mood is joyous and playful, illustrating the divine leela of Lord Krishna. Bhajan literally means pray (bhaj) the lord (narayan). Bhajans are devotional songs based on light classical music. It is a popular form of singing today.
However, in the wake, there is a new trend, which has come into existence. It is related to music learning, especially involving the Indian Classical Music. As it has been felt, and rightly so, that the base of any form of music is textual music, Indian bollywood industry acknowledges the same with due respect to it.
Light Music has its base in Indian Classical Music
This is why we witness the stalwarts of light music on our television sets appreciating the Indian Classical Music. No matter it is Daler Mehdi, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Alka Yagnik, or Hariharan, they all firmly believe that it must be understood thoroughly in order to master the basic techniques of music to strengthen ones light music. Now, that is something, which must be taken with due respect and seriousness as it is something, which leads to consolidating ones singing and musical abilities.
Go for the Right Teacher
However, the biggest question arises to identify the right music teacher. Now, that is something, which is challenging. Believe it or not, music basically comprises of various subtle technique that can only be learned in the company of professionals. In fact, there are many music teachers available in the market, however there is dearth of serious and experienced music teachers. It is sad that in many prestigious music institutions the way of teaching is confined to rot and not the understanding of music. Even if you wish to become a ghazal singer, pop singer, Bollywood singer, learning the fundamentals of music is essential.
Do not Flout the Fundamentals of Music
For example, the fundamental tenet of Indian Classical Music is taal, the rhythm, which is often ignored by the teachers when it comes teaching. Students feel bewildered as they learn compositions but unable to render them in accordance with the taal. One of the primary reasons is that are not told the basics of rhythm or the adjustment of notes in accordance with it. Therefore, the result is that even after years of training they find themselves hesitant when it comes to performance on stage. They even succumb to the various different patterns played by the Tabla player and finally give up the training altogether.
Light Music has its base in Indian Classical Music
This is why we witness the stalwarts of light music on our television sets appreciating the Indian Classical Music. No matter it is Daler Mehdi, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Alka Yagnik, or Hariharan, they all firmly believe that it must be understood thoroughly in order to master the basic techniques of music to strengthen ones light music. Now, that is something, which must be taken with due respect and seriousness as it is something, which leads to consolidating ones singing and musical abilities.
Go for the Right Teacher
However, the biggest question arises to identify the right music teacher. Now, that is something, which is challenging. Believe it or not, music basically comprises of various subtle technique that can only be learned in the company of professionals. In fact, there are many music teachers available in the market, however there is dearth of serious and experienced music teachers. It is sad that in many prestigious music institutions the way of teaching is confined to rot and not the understanding of music. Even if you wish to become a ghazal singer, pop singer, Bollywood singer, learning the fundamentals of music is essential.
Do not Flout the Fundamentals of Music
For example, the fundamental tenet of Indian Classical Music is taal, the rhythm, which is often ignored by the teachers when it comes teaching. Students feel bewildered as they learn compositions but unable to render them in accordance with the taal. One of the primary reasons is that are not told the basics of rhythm or the adjustment of notes in accordance with it. Therefore, the result is that even after years of training they find themselves hesitant when it comes to performance on stage. They even succumb to the various different patterns played by the Tabla player and finally give up the training altogether.
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