Ragam Tanam Pallavi

Structuring RTP (Ragam, Tanam, Pallavi) with different sections

Ragam Tanam Pallavi (RTP) is the pinnacle of Carnatic music creativity. This guide shows how to structure and notate an RTP performance.

Structure Overview

An RTP consists of three main sections:

  1. Ragam (Alapana) - Free-flowing raga exploration without tala
  2. Tanam - Rhythmic raga exploration, still without fixed tala
  3. Pallavi - Composed section with tala, elaborate variations

Ragam Section

The ragam is a free exploration. Use \noTala to indicate no fixed rhythm:

\noTala \accidentals(M#) \line("Alapana - Lower Octave") S _ _ R , G _ M# _ , P _ _ _ \line("Alapana - Middle Octave") M# P D N , S. _ _ R. , G. M#. P. D. \line("Alapana - Descent") S. _ D N , P M# G R , S _ _ _

Tanam Section

Tanam introduces rhythm but maintains freedom. Mark it with \line("Tanam"):

\noTala \accidentals(M#) \line("Tanam") S R G M# , P D N S. , ta na na tom , ta na na tom S. R. G. M#. , P. D. N. S.. , ta na na tom , ta na na tom S.. D. N. S. , P M# G R , S _ _ _ , ta nom _ _

Pallavi - Setting the Tala

The pallavi introduces the composed line with tala. Here's an example in Misra Chapu (7 beats):

\cycle("|3|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) \accidentals(M#) \line("Pallavi - Misra Chapu") Sw: S R G M# , P D N , S. R. G. | Sh: ga na na tha , bho vi , ka ra na ||

Pallavi - First Speed

Elaborate the pallavi at different speeds:

\cycle("|3|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) \accidentals(M#) \line("1st Speed Variation") S R G M# , P M# G R , S R G M# | P D N S. , R. S. N D , P M# G R ||

Pallavi - Second Speed

\cycle("|3|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) \accidentals(M#) \line("2nd Speed Variation") SR GM# PD , NS. R.S. ND , PM# GR SR | GM# PD NS. , R.G. M#.P. D.N. , S.R. G.M#. P.D. ||

Pallavi - Third Speed (Tisram)

\cycle("|3|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) \accidentals(M#) \line("3rd Speed Variation (Tisram)") SRG GM#P PDN , NS.R. R.S.N NDP , PM#G GRS SRG | GM#P PDN NS.R. , R.G.M#. M#.P.D. D.N.S.. , S..D.N. N.S.P PM#G ||

Kalpana Swarams

Improvisational swarams that return to the pallavi line:

\cycle("|3|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) \accidentals(M#) \line("Kalpana Swaram 1") SR GM# PD , NS. R.S. ND , PM# GR SR | \line("Return to Pallavi") S R G M# , P D N , S. R. G. || \line("Kalpana Swaram 2") S.D. N.S. S.P , PM# M#G GR , RS SR RG | \line("Return to Pallavi") S R G M# , P D N , S. R. G. ||

Complete RTP Structure

A typical RTP performance follows this pattern:

  1. Ragam (Alapana) - 5-10 minutes
  2. Tanam - 3-5 minutes
  3. Pallavi - Main composed line
  4. Elaboration at first speed
  5. Elaboration at second speed
  6. Elaboration at third speed (optional)
  7. Kalpana swarams (multiple rounds)
  8. Return to pallavi after each kalpana swaram
  9. Final pallavi conclusion

Tips for RTP Notation

  • Use \noTala for ragam and tanam sections
  • Choose interesting talas for pallavi (not just Adi tala)
  • Mark each speed variation clearly with \line()
  • Always return to the pallavi line after kalpana swarams
  • Use appropriate raga-specific gamakas
  • Explore all three octaves in ragam section

See Also