Geethams
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Geethams, the simplest music form in Carnatic music, was created by Purandara Dasa in order to introduce talas with sahithya or lyrics. Though Geethams have no absolutely defined divisions of pallavi, anupallavi or charanas, they may be observed in some cases. Some Geethams contain sections rather than the defined divisions (pallavi etc). They often have no sangathis or variations, with each swara taking one syllable of the sahithya. The Geetham is sung without repetition from beginning to end. However most Geethams are concluded by repeating a portion of the opening part. Geethams are set in medium tempo and contain no Sangathis or variations and the flow of the music is natural. The theme of the Sahithyam (lyrics) is to praise God. Students Learn these Geethams after a course in the preliminary Swara Exercises and Alankaras.
There are three types of Geetams: Sanchari or Samanya Geethams, Lakshana Geethams, and Suladi Geethams. Samanya Geethams are the simple ordinary Geethams and are called by other names such as Sadharana Geetham or Sanchari Geetham. In Lakshana Geethams, the sahithyam, instead of being praise of God, enumerates in so many words, the Lakshana of the Raga, in which it is composed-giving amongst other details, its Vakra Swaras, Graha, Nysa, Amsa Swarams and lastly its parent (Melakartha) Raga. Most Lakshana Geethams have been composed by Purandara Dasa.[1]
[edit] Common Geethams
Some of the most common Geethams have been composed by Muthuswami Dikshitar.
- Vara Veena in Mohana Raga (28th Mela Janya-Harikambhoji) - Chatusruthi Jathi Rupaka Tala
- Sree Gananatha (Lambodara) in Malahari Raga (15th Mela Janya-Mayamalavagowla) - Chathusruthi Jathi Rupaka Tala
- Analekara in Suddha Saaveri Raga (29th Mela Janya-Shankarabharanam) - Tisra Jathi Triputa Tala
- Kamala Jadala in Kalyani Raga (65th Melakarta Raga)- Tisra Jathi Triputa Tala
[edit] References
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