Ragam and Tanam (in raga Hamsadwani)

Ragam and Tanam (in raga Hamsadwani) is a Carnatic classical music performance by flautist Shashank Subramanyam. The recording captures a traditional alapana (raga elaboration) and tanam (rhythmic improvisation) in the raga Hamsadwani. Shashank Subramanyam performs the piece on the bamboo flute, known as the venu in Carnatic music. The performance adheres to the structured format of ragam-tanam-pallavi, though this release focuses solely on the ragam and tanam segments.

The raga Hamsadwani is a pentatonic scale (audava raga) characterized by the notes Sa, Ri2, Ga3, Pa, and Ni3 in ascending order and the same notes in descending order. It is classified under the 29th melakarta system and is often performed in the early stages of a concert due to its bright and auspicious nature. Shashank Subramanyam explores the raga’s melodic contours through gradual improvisation, emphasizing its playful and devotional aspects.

The tanam section follows the ragam, introducing rhythmic patterns without a fixed tala (metric cycle). Shashank Subramanyam employs gamakas (ornamentations) and intricate phrasing to highlight the raga’s essence. The performance duration is 25 minutes and 19 seconds. The primary format of the release is an audio recording, though the specific label and release year are not provided in the available context.

Shashank Subramanyam is a prominent Carnatic flautist known for his technical precision and expressive playing. He has performed extensively in India and internationally, contributing to the preservation and propagation of Carnatic music. This recording exemplifies his mastery of raga elaboration and improvisation within the Carnatic tradition.