Question

What is keerthans in Carnatic music

Answer 1

Carnatic songs (kritis) are varied in structure and style, but generally consist of three units:  

Pallavi. This is the equivalent of a refrain in Western music, with 1 or 2 lines.

Anupallavi. This is the second verse, also as 2 lines.

Charana. The final (and longest) verse that wraps up the song. The Charanam usually borrows patterns from the Anupallavi. There can be multiple charanas.

This kind of song is called a keerthanam or a kriti. There are other possible structures for a kriti, which may in addition include swara passages named chittaswara. A chittaswara consists only of notes, and has no words. Still others have a verse at the end of the charana, called the madhyamakāla. It is sung immediately after the charana, but at double speed.

Answer 2

Ragas in Carnatic music

The main traditional forms of improvisation in Carnatic music consist of the following:

Alapana.

Niraval.

Pallavi.

Ragam.

Swarakalpana.

Tanam.

Tani Avartanam.