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Kriti

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The main composition form of the Carnatic concert: a devotional song in sections, with a fixed tune that performers may elaborate on.

Structure

Usually pallavi, anupallavi and charanam. The pallavi acts as a refrain. The charanam is the final and longest section and often carries the composer's signature (mudra). Some kritis add extra sections such as a chittaswaram. Planned melodic variations (sangatis) enrich the pallavi and other sections.

Parts, in order

  1. pallavi
  2. anupallavi
  3. chittaswaram (optional)
  4. charanam

Related forms

References for this page

Type at least two letters. Try a raga name, a tala, or a word like "gamaka".