Further to my note on the subject of alap, in the following you will find an analytical study in bullet points, which reveals the technical part.
● Alap developed in two patterns:
⮚ Melodic
⮚ Geometric
● Both are used to build a subject – a paragraph – in the musical statement being unfolded.
● Techniques used to beautify both the above-mentioned patterns:
⮚ Observe correctness of raga swaroop
⮚ Ensure inputs of emotional content suitable to the raga and specific section of the unfoldment and related ideas.
⮚ Vary speed of execution to convey specific ideas and make phrases more vocal oriented and sustain interest.
⮚ Introduce rhythm based phrases.
⮚ Vary volumes in keeping with, and in contrast to, already executed phrases.
⮚ Use of decorative elements i.e. murkis and meends to suit the mood and relate to vocal techniques.
● Unfoldment of raga swaroop in alap stage has to follow silsila or system prescribed in our gharana – basic elements of which are as follows:
⮚ Zamin or foundation note – Sa to be established and projected at the beginning and at different stages of unfoldment or badhat.
⮚ Technique of badhat – building up prescribed melodic centres.
● Observe different sections or stages of alap, viz:
⮚ sthayi
⮚ antara
⮚ sanchari
⮚ abhog