Harmonizing Indian Carnatic Ragas: A Comparative Study of Audava, Shadava, and Sampoorna Ragas
In the rich tapestry of Indian Carnatic music, the raga forms a fundamental element. Each raga is a unique melodic framework, encompassing a set of notes, a specific aroha (ascent) and avaroha (descent), and a distinct mood or abhinaya. This article explores the process of harmonizing these ragas, with a special focus on audava, shadava, and sampoorna ragas. Additionally, we will touch upon the unique harmonic possibilities that arise when harmonizing these raga structures.
The Basics: Understanding Ragas
Carnatic ragas are the essence of Indian classical music. They consist of a specific set of notes (swarans) which are played in a particular aroha and avaroha. The aroha is the ascending scale of notes, while the avaroha is the descending scale. These scales are carefully crafted to evoke a specific emotion or sringara (romantic) relationship with the listener.
Audava, Shadava, and Sampoorna Ragas
Audava Raga comprises five notes (pentatonic).
Shadava Raga consists of six notes (hexatonic).
Sampoorna Raga contains all seven notes of the natural scale.
Harmonizing Audava and Shadava Ragas: A Special Case
Given the limited number of notes in audava and shadava ragas, harmonization presents unique challenges and opportunities. These simpler structures offer a more focused and intimate melodic experience, with the potential for profound emotional depth. However, due to their limited note sets, traditional chord progressions might not be feasible. Instead, creative chord choices must be made, leading to innovative harmonic textures.
The most common chord choices when harmonizing audava and shadava ragas include suspended chords (sus chords) and quartal chords. These chords add a distinctive and expressive quality to the raga, helping to convey the emotional content more effectively. For example, a sus chord might be used as a substitute for a dominant 7th chord, providing a brighter and more open sound.
Harmonizing Sampoorna Ragas
Sampoorna ragas, on the other hand, contain all seven notes of the natural scale. This vast palette of notes allows for a much wider range of harmonic possibilities. In the context of sampoorna ragas, traditional chord progressions can be employed, as the raga can support a more conventional harmonic structure.
When harmonizing sampoorna ragas, it is important to consider the overall mood and character of the raga. For instance, raga Yaman might be harmonized using a ii-V-I progression in the key of E flat, while raga Bhoopala might utilize a ii-V-I in the key of D. The choice of chords is also influenced by the microtonal flavors and nuances inherent to the raga. For example, the use of a sus4 chord in the ascending aroha of a raga like Dhanasree can add a colorful and harmonically rich quality.
The Unique Challenge: Harmonizing the 13th
One of the most exciting and challenging aspects of harmonizing Carnatic ragas is exploring the 13th. The 13th is a note that is added to chords to add depth and complexity. In the context of Carnatic ragas, the 13th can be particularly expressive, especially in the context of audava and shadava ragas.
For instance, if we take the audava raga Kalyani, the notes are typically C, D, F, G, A. When harmonizing this raga, adding a sus2 or sus4 chord, and then adding the 13th, can create incredibly rich and emotive sounds. The sus4 chord C - F - A - D (where the 13th is the A) and the sus2 chord C - F# - A - D (where the 13th is the F#) both offer unique harmonic flavors that can enhance the emotional impact of the raga.
Similarly, in the context of shadava raga Gupta which has the notes C, D, F, G, A, B, the 13th can be added to create even more complex and intriguing harmonies. The sus2 chord C - F# - B - D offers a more assertive and bold quality, while the sus4 chord C - F - B - D provides a smoother and more harmonious feel.
Conclusion: A Journey of Harmony and Emotion
In summary, the process of harmonizing Carnatic ragas, especially audava, shadava, and sampoorna ragas, is a journey of harmony and emotion. Each raga has its unique character and emotional resonance, and the harmonization must reflect this. Whether it’s through the use of sus chords, quartal chords, or the addition of the 13th, the goal is to enhance the listener's experience and bring the raga to life.
The flexibility and creativity offered by these harmonic techniques enable musicians to explore the vast and intricate world of Carnatic ragas, creating an immersive and unforgettable musical experience for both the performer and the listener.
For those interested in delving deeper into the world of Carnatic music and harmonization, resources such as the Samswarnabhoomi Academy of Music provide an environment that encourages and nurtures this kind of musically creative thinking.