REPPELLE DE MUSIQUE

CARNATIC MUSIC TERMS

Kalpanaswaram

Kalpanaswaram literally means imagined swarams. It is the singing of swarams of the rāgam of a song, following the completion of the song. Though many phases of the swarams may have been practiced, experienced artists may spontaneously play new phrases within the rāgam's rules - hence the term Kalpana. It is an improvisation of the rāgam, by singing the swarams, namely Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha and Ni.

Tānam

Tānam is rhythmic / rhythm based improvisation of the rāgam. It is done with rhythm based syllables like tha, nam, thom and na. It is usually included as a second part in a Rāgam Tānam Pallavi.

WESTERN MUSIC TERMS

Canon. (Latin) "Rule." The strictest form of counterpoint. After the initial statement of a melody in one "voice," all subsequent "voices" must imitate that melody exactly (note for note), or with only minimal adjustments. The melody must be composed so that it sounds "correct" when played "against" itself. The imitatations may begin on the same pitch, or on another pitch (in which case all the notes will have to be "transposed" to maintain the integrity of the melody). Canons are usually part of larger works; perhaps the most renowned collection of canons is contained in J.S. Bach's Musical Offering. "Row, Row, your Boat" is a familiar example of a simple canon. 

Cantabile. [kahn-tah-bee-lay] (Italian) "Singing." Music performed in a singing style. The term can be added to a tempo marking (andante cantabile, for example) or placed over a melodic line.