alapana

Alapana is a term in Carnatic music describing the unmetered, improvisational exploration of a ragam (raga). It is a melodic exposition in which the performer presents the raga’s mood and melodic possibilities without rhythmic accompaniment. The alapana is typically performed at the start of a concert or before a composed piece such as a kriti, to establish the raga’s identity before the tala-based composition begins. The tempo is free and gradually becomes more elaborate, though the alapana itself remains without strict rhythm.

During alapana, the artist uses characteristic phrases, scales (arohana and avarohana), and ornamentations called gamakas to reveal the raga’s color. The selection of notes, emphasis on certain swaras (notes), and the development of motifs guide the listener through the raga’s melodic landscape. A successful alapana balances spontaneity with coherence, often concluding with a return to a starting note that leads into the following kriti or tanam.

In performance practice, alapana is most commonly associated with vocalists and instrumentalists such as the violin or flute. It is usually performed with a tanpura drone for tonal reference, while percussion is either not present or minimal during the alapana and resumes after the transition to the composition. The length and style of alapana vary by artist, raga, and concert context.