Ngan Ong
Dr. Siddons
MUSC 103-003
4 February 2016
Listening Outline Report
Shankar--Maru-Bihag
Maru-Bihag, a song that contains simultaneously ascending and descending melodic forms, is
a classical evening raga improvised by the sitarist Ravi Shankar. The piece includes a solo sitar
accompanied by a pair of drums and a drone instrument known as tambura in the background.
In the intro of the recording, Shankar initially demonstrates how the song is built on the basis
of the raga pattern and the tala. Accordingly, the tala played by the tabla is a 10-beat pattern
that is divided into 2-3-2-3.
The performance commences with a introductory section which is alap at 0:36. This section
begins with only the tambura carrying the tonic and dominant notes, but is soon followed by
the sitar playing an improvised melody. The freedom of rhythm helps Ravi Shankar to convey
the basic mood and attributes of a typical raga. During the two minutes, Shankar first explores
the lowest notes and then plays slightly the higher ones.
At 2:33, there comes the second section of the piece along with the entrance of the table
playing the tala. In this phase, Shankar presents the gat which provides the central theme to
the melody.
In short, Maru-Bihag is undoubtedly an embellished song that enlightens Shakar’s creativity
and inspiration.
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