Document Type

Article

Journal Title

Analytical Approaches to Music of South Asia

Publication Date

2023

Abstract

Mathematical structures are deeply embedded in the aesthetics of South Indian Carnatic music. Kōrvais, which are rhythmic compositions performed in triplets in various parts of a concert, are the culmination of this mathematical aesthetic. Each kōrvai has two parts, the first called the pūrvārdha and the second called the uttarārdha, both based on mathematical structures that are aesthetically acceptable according to certain constraints. These structures have evolved traditionally and can accommodate most rhythmic requirements. However, the traditional methods are inadequate in addressing certain specialized constraints. Therefore, this article revisits rhythmic composition through conceptualization of newer rhythmic patterns and use of algorithmic approaches to determine the components of the kōrvai. Specifically, we systematically address the need for newer rhythmic compositional paradigms in Carnatic music by first introducing the fundamentals of Carnatic rhythmic compositional theory and practice via a collection of mathematical models. We subsequently highlight the limitations of traditional methods and outline the requirements of newer approaches, which will be exemplified through four new kōrvais. We further exemplify, via video-recorded performances, how the proposed approach can be easily extended beyond percussion solos to Carnatic vocal presentations. The final section considers how these algorithmic approaches to Carnatic rhythmic composition could also be useful in other, non-Carnatic systems of music, with newly composed examples for illustration.

Comments

The definitive article is available on the AAMSA website at: https://southasia.iftawm.org/volumes/volume1/krishnaswamy-wells/.

Publisher Statement

AAMSA is an open-access journal, meaning that the content is freely available to all users. Users may read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles without requesting permission.

Authors do not pay any fees to publish in AAMSA, and authors retain the copyright of individual articles and all associated media that they publish in the journal.

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