Varnams are one of the main fundamental learning pieces in Carnatic music. Known for their complex structure, they contain lyrics as well as swara packages including Pallavi, Anupallavi, Muktayi swaram, Charanam and Chittaswarams. Most varnams encapsulate the true essence of the raga including how each note should be stressed, the raga scale etc. Some of these rare raga varnams were composed by not so famous composers and thus haven’t been extensively passed down over generations. Through this module our aim is to make these exemplary compositions as popular as the other Varnams that are regularly performed/taught.
Prerequisite
Students with prior knowledge of at least 5 Adi talam and 2 Ata tala varnams.
No. of session: 10 (45mins approx /session)
Class size: Individual
Content
Sriraja mathangi - Suddha dhanyasi
Saminethodidhey - Panthuvarali
Srikrishna - Keeravani
Chalamey - Nataikurunji
Srirajarajeswari - Mayamalavagowla
Module
Session 1
- Teach the arohanam and avarohanam of raga and give main details about the ragam.
- Swaras and sahityas of Pallavi, Anupallavi and Mukthaiswaras.
Session 2
Teach the charanam and chittasvarams and revise the Swaras and sahityas of Pallavi, Anupallavi and Mukthaiswaras that was taught during the previous session.
Session 3
- Practice the charanam and chittasvarams of 1st varnam.
- Teach the arohanam and avarohanam of raga for the 2nd varnam and give main details about the ragam. Swaras and sahityas of Pallavi, Anupallavi and Mukthaiswaras for the 2nd varnam.
Session 4
Teach the charanam and chittasvarams and revise the Swaras and sahityas of Pallavi, Anupallavi and Mukthaiswaras that was taught during the 3rd session.
Session 5
- Practice the charanam and chittasvarams taught in the 4th session.
- Teach the arohanam and avarohanam of raga for the 3rd varnam and give main details about the ragam. Swaras and sahityas of Pallavi, Anupallavi and Mukthaiswaras for the 3rd varnam.
Session 6
Teach the charanam and chittasvarams for the 3rd varnam and revise the Swaras and sahityas of Pallavi, Anupallavi and Mukthaiswaras that was taught during the 5th session.
Session 7
- Practice the charanam and chittasvarams taught in the 6th session for the 3rd varnam.
- Teach the arohanam and avarohanam of raga for the 4th varnam and give main details about the ragam. Swaras and sahityas of Pallavi, Anupallavi and Mukthaiswaras for the 4th varnam.
Session 8
Teach the charanam and chittasvarams for the 4th varnam and revise the Swaras and sahityas of Pallavi, Anupallavi and Mukthaiswaras that was taught during the 7th session.
Session 9
- Practice the charanam and chittasvarams taught and the 8th session for the 4th varnam.
- Teach the arohanam and avarohanam of raga for the 5th varnam and give main details about the ragam. Swaras and sahityas of Pallavi, Anupallavi and Mukthaiswaras for the 5th varnam.
Session 10
- Teach the charanam and chittasvarams for the 5th varnam and revise the Swaras and sahityas of Pallavi, Anupallavi and Mukthaiswaras that was taught during the 9th session.
- Also revise again the charanam and chittasvaras of the 5th varnam chittasvarams being the last final session.
Note:
The above list of varnams is subject to modifications depending on the student’s abilities and preferences.
