Spectral analysis of Gamaka Swaras of Indian music
Heisnam Jina Devi, N V C Swamy, Harini Nagendra, Swâmi Vivekananda · 2006
In Indian classical music, there are a huge number of modes (Ragas). There are also pieces (Ragamala or Ragamalikai in which modulations are employed. In both Hindustani & Carnatic (Karnataka) music, songs are usually preceded by an improvised unmeasured prelude (A lap), which is sometimes extensive. Individual pieces are shorter in Camatic music, so recitals are constructed by selecting items in contrasting ragas. Gamaka Swaras, the subtle decorations of musical notes, usually referred to as the shaking of notes or vibration of Swaras come in various forms. Gamaka plays a very essential role in Indian music. Spectral analysis of the seven notes of Indian music has been reported. The work reported in the paper is a continuation of that work, extending it to Gamaka Swaras. Report of the preliminary study giving a glimpse into spectral intricacies of Arohana Gamaka has also been discussed.