Tutorial 04: Advanced Techniques

This tutorial covers advanced techniques for creating complex Carnatic music notation.

Nested Groups

Groups can contain other groups for complex rhythmic patterns:

\beatDuration(4) S [R [G M] P] D N S.

The inner group [G M] is nested within the outer group [R [G M] P], creating a subdivision.

Custom Note Durations

Combine duration prefixes with beat duration for precise control:

\beatDuration(4) S 2 R [G M] 3 P D N S.

Here, R has duration 2 and P has duration 3 at a beat duration of 4 notes per beat.

Fractional Durations

Use fractions for precise duration control:

\beatDuration(4) S 3/2 R G 1/2 M P D N S.

Multiple Roles

Use multiple lines to represent different aspects of the composition:

\beatDuration(4) \role("Perc", notes=true) Sw: S R G M P D N S. Sh: sa ri ga ma pa dha ni sa Perc: ta ki ta ta ta ki ta ta

The first line shows swaras, the second shows sahitya, and the third shows percussion syllables.

Complex Rhythmic Patterns

Combine groups, spacing, and beat duration to create intricate rhythms:

\beatDuration(2) \line("First Speed") S [R G] , [M P] D \beatDuration(4) \line("Second Speed") [S R] [G M] [P D] [N S.] \beatDuration(2) \line("Back to First") S.

Cycle and Line Management

Use cycle and line commands to organize longer pieces:

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(4) \line("Pallavi") Sw: S R G M P D N S. \line("Anupallavi") Sw: S. N D P M G R S \line("Charanam") Sw: S R [G M] P [D N] S.

Practice Exercise

Create a complete composition using all the techniques you've learned:

\cycle("|4|2|2|") \beatDuration(2) \line("Opening") Sw: S R G M , P D N S. Sh: sa ri ga ma , pa dha ni sa \beatDuration(4) \line("Second Speed") Sw: S R [G M] [P D] N S. Sh: sa ri ga ma pa dha ni sa \beatDuration(2) \line("Closing") Sw: S. , , S Sh: sa , , sa

Next Steps

• Reference Documentation - Complete syntax specification
• Cookbook - Real-world examples and patterns
• API Documentation - Use the library programmatically