A Raga’s Journey — Hopeful, festive, vibrant Vasantha Vasantha ragam is derived from the 17th Mela Suryakantham, which corresponds to the Bhairav Thaat of Hindustani Sangeet. Vasantha is an auspicious raga, best when sung in the evening. This is one of the oldest ragas, reportedly in vogue over 1000 years. Swaras used are: Shudda Ri, Antara Ga, Shudda Ma, Panchasruti Dha and Kakali Ni. In the Arohanam, Pa and Ri are omitted: Sa, Ma1, Ga3, Ma1, Dha2, Ni3, SA* In Avarohanam, Pa is omitted used: SA*, Ni3, Dha2, Ma1, Ga3, Ri1, Sa A vakra raga, the scale assumes colourful zig-zag patterns and has characteristic curves that make it very easy to identify. The notes in the ascent are Sadja, Antara Gandhara, Suddha Madhyama, Chatusruti Dhaivata, and Kakali nishada, not necessarily sung in that order. In the descent the Suddha Rishabha joins the string of notes completing the scale. Vasantha is an ancient raga and has been prevalent for more than a 1000 years.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 03:47:13 +0000