Online Music Lessons Carnatic 3

Question 1

What is the term for the improvised elaboration of a raga performed before the main composition in a Carnatic concert?

Accepted Answer

Raga alapana

Answer

Raga alapana is the free-flowing, unmetered exploration of a raga's character and phrases, performed before the composition begins.

Question 2

Which instrument is traditionally considered the primary percussion instrument in Carnatic music?

Accepted Answer

Mridangam

Answer

The mridangam is the principal percussion instrument in Carnatic music, providing rhythmic support to all vocal and instrumental performances.

Question 3

In Carnatic solfege, what is the correct ascending order of the seven notes?

Accepted Answer

Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Da Ni

Answer

The seven Carnatic swaras in ascending order are Sa (shadja), Ri (rishabha), Ga (gandhara), Ma (madhyama), Pa (panchama), Da (dhaivata), and Ni (nishada).

Question 4

Which of the following ragas is considered an 'audava' raga (pentatonic scale)?

Accepted Answer

Hamsadhvani

Answer

Hamsadhvani is a popular pentatonic (audava) raga using only five notes: Sa Ri Ga Pa Ni, omitting Ma and Da.

Question 5

What does 'Tani Avartanam' refer to in a Carnatic concert?

Accepted Answer

A solo percussion improvisation by the mridangist and other percussionists

Answer

Tani Avartanam is the solo percussion interlude in a concert where the mridangist and accompanying percussionists improvise freely.

Online Music Lessons Practice Test

Online Music Lessons Practice Test

Online Music Lessons Carnatic 3