CH – Raga CDs of the Months (08/11): pentatonic ragas – 5 tone scales

The pentatonical ragas (scale of notes with five tones) are far common in India, equally in North Indian Classic (Hindustani) as in South Indian Music (Carnatic). The pentatonical ragas create a multi layered spectrum, a musical taste which can be regognized easily by the listeners. A magical power is being attributed to these ragas …

date of broadcasting …

22nd August 2011 – 10:00 p.m. CET (04:00 EST) @ Radio RaSA (CH)
(premiere: 25th December 2006 @ Tide 96.0 FM)
broadcasting plan | streaming (Internet Radio & Mobile Radio) | podCast

The material of notes originally was used for religious ceremonies and rites in many cultures all over the world… first it had consisted of only two tones, was developed to three tone scales and progressed in the antique Greece to a scale of four tones (tetra chord system).

A more differentiated scaling form of the five tone music (so called pentatonic) was formed particularly in East and South Asia, in front in China, Japan and India. Also in Blues and Afro American music the 5 tone scheme is in practice.

Contrary to our western music culture the Indian Classical Music and the raga-s aim at an atmospheric sound picture by instrumental or vocal improvisation to connect with certain feelings, tendencyfully paintings conveying a special atmosphere and with emotional expressions.

The 5 tone raga Malkauns for example reflects a portrait of the dark, secret one and is helping to a menthal stabilization. The Raga Durga carries the names of the ambivalent, semi terrible hindustic goddess Durga. The penthatonic raga Bhupali is awarded a healing, positive effect, which shifts the listener into an easy, joyfully and relaxed tension.