Alaap

The gradual exposition of Raag emphasizing Vaadi, Samvaadi and other salient features of the raag in a slow tempo is known as Alaap.

The word alaap means a dialog  or conversation. Alaap is a dialog  between the musician and the raag. Alaap reflects the depth, the temperament, creativity and training of the musician.

In alaap, the musician improvises each note gradually. Beginning with the lower octave and in a slow tempo and techniques like kana swar and meend etc.The alaap is sung in the beginning of the raag at the time of a performance.This is also known as the Vistaar. When the musician starts rendering a Bada Khayal/ Chotaa Khayaal (song ) the tablaa or any other percussion instrument joins. Aalaap is used again with the composition, this time with the rhythm as well. This alaap is slightly faster and and rhythmic.

Some times the words of the song are also improvised with notes. This is known as Bol Alaap.

Alaap  is usually sung in Aakaar i.e. without pronouncing any syllables only using the sound "aa" of the vowel. Sometimes syllables like teri, Nom, Tom are also used for singing the alaap.

Saptak (The Scale)

The Drone

Thaat

Today's form of Raag

The meaning of Alaap

The meaning of Taan

Raag Samay Chakra

Difference between Raag and Thaat

Ornamental Melody

Raag and Ras(Emotion)

Raag formation rules

Similarities and differences in Raags

Origin of Raag Names

The general Schema of raag Presentation

The Notation System

40 Principles of Indian Classical Music