The Magnificence of the Saraswati Veena: Unveiling the Spiritual, Health, and Musical Wonders
As a musician and performer, it becomes apparent that our subconscious evaluation of qualities occurs whenever we engage with someone or something. Upon discovering the greatness within the subject, we naturally proceed to assess its magnitude. This discourse focuses on the vINa, prompting us to evaluate its characteristics upon encountering it. During the assessment of […]
Sangeeta
Sangeeta The word “Sangeeta” comes from Sanskruta, an old language spoken in India that is thought to be the origin of many modern Indian languages. It translates as “music” and is made up of the words “Sam,” meaning great, and “Geeta,” signifying a song or singing. Sangeeta is based on the seven swaras or notes […]
Bones involved in Playing
Bones involved in Playing The role, practical implication, and action of arm bones and hand bones while playing Saraswati Veena: Role: The bones in the arms and hands play a crucial role in the execution of the movements required to play the Saraswati Veena. They provide support, stability, and structure to the fingers and wrists […]
Melam-Preparation Of Wax Fred Board
Melam-Preparation Of Wax Fred Board The Melam is a crucial part of the Veena as it is the portion where the frets are fixed and the artists showcase their skills. Knowledge of Shruti Gnana and Swara Gnana is crucial to fix the Melam. Preparing for the melam To set up the Melam on the Veena, […]
Construction of Veena
Construction of Veena To make a Veena, various tools and raw materials are used including: Jackfruit Wood: The main raw material used for making the Veena. Chisels and Hammers: These tools are used to carve different designs into the wood. L-shaped Scale: This tool helps with measuring and marking motifs. Wood Husk, Fevicol, and Yellow […]
Sculpting Veena
The Saraswati Veena is a traditional Indian musical instrument that is four feet in length and consists of several parts, including a large resonator (Tumba), a wooden bridge (Mettu), a tapering hollow neck (Dandi), a smaller non-functional resonator, and seven strings. Skilled and expert artisans work together to make the Veena in a multi-stage process […]
Varieties of Plucking
Sanna Meetu: Mild striking for delicate sound Dodda Meetu: Hard striking for loud sound Lo Meetu: Index finger strikes string from top to bottom Veli Meetu: Strike from bottom to upwards Kattera Meetu: Index and middle finger strikes in quick succession Todu Meetu: Index and middle finger strikes separately Tada Meetu: Middle finger strikes 3rd […]
Tanam
Tanam is the most attractive and important item, especially in Veena. It is Madhyamakala raga alapana with varieties of rhythmic flow at medium speed. Tanam playing is best showcased when performed on the Veena, as the instrument’s side strings (Tala strings) are particularly suited to this style of music. In Volume I of the book […]
Gamakam Subba Rama Dikshitar wrote the notation for Dikshitar kritis, and while doing so he had Veena in his mind and hence gave some signs for various gamakaas. All these can be played on the veena. The ‘AANTARA SRUTIS’ can be played either by gamakaas or kampana of the string. It is an art to […]
Frets-Srutis
Frets-Srutis In the world of Indian classical music, the placement of frets on the veena instrument was a purposeful and clever effort to make it more similar to vocal music and incorporate the intricate nuances of Carnatic music. The veena is renowned for being the only instrument capable of producing gamaka, a crucial aspect of […]