Difference between Swara and a Musical Note - November 2015,
Introduction: Classical Dance and Music are inseparable. Here is a nice article from Sri Ramprasadh about Swara and Musical Note (in the context of western music). Understanding the subtle difference between the two helps us in our dance.
Contributor: Sri T.V.Ramprasadh
Carnatic Vocalist and Founder of
www.eambalam.com
November 2015
"Swara" is a Sanskrit word and is made up of two syllables
"Swa" - which means Self
"Ra" – means Shining forth
Through the swara, man’s Self is supposed to shine through.
Musical Note is that which which is produced by any mechanical means like striking of cups, striking a stretched skin, pulling a horses hair, what we hear and see is a frequency of vibration within certain limits for us to have a musical note. They can be defined by frequency, amplitude and timbre.
Swara is something more than just that. There are two aspects , the outer aspect which we call a note. The Swara is born when the inner aspect or face comes to being and shines through the outer face. A musician who consciously works towards acquiring this swara produces another impact, which is larger than just the Raaga or the technical skill of the musician. That is why swaras require the human touch .
Pic Credit- T.V.Ramprasadh, Hamara, Carnatic Music,
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*T.V.Ramprasadh, Indian Classical Music, Contributor, N18.15.1*