Hindustani Music Guide
ख़याल
The dominant classical vocal form in Hindustani music, built on imaginative raag elaboration.
Khayal (meaning 'imagination') is the predominant form of classical vocal music in the Hindustani tradition. A khayal performance typically consists of a vilambit (slow) composition followed by a drut (fast) composition, both set to specific raags and taals. The form emphasizes creative improvisation and raag development, giving performers enormous freedom to elaborate the melody through alap, taan, bol-alap, and other techniques.
ध्रुपद
The oldest surviving form of Hindustani classical vocal music, emphasizing gravity and precision.
ठुमरी
A romantic and expressive semi-classical vocal form emphasizing emotional text interpretation.
स्थायी
The opening and principal section of a bandish, establishing the raag and melodic theme.
अंतरा
The second section of a bandish, typically moving into the upper octave register.
तान
Fast melodic runs and passages used to elaborate a raag with virtuosic energy.
आलाप
The slow, unmetered opening section of a raag performance.