30+ Fascinating Malayalam Music Vocabulary To Know
Original blog post: https://ling-app.com/ml/malayalam-music-vocabulary/
Have you ever wondered what Malayalam music sounds like, what instruments they use, and how they perform? Well, the music culture of Kerala has a long and rich history. Although not similar to Malayalam poetry, most of its songs are poetry driven. Especially famous for its Carnatic music, the Malayalam harmony played a significant role in early Malayalam literature.
Thus, before you go on your marvelous trip to Kerala, sit back for a while and experience the history of classical music. This blog has prepared all the essential facts and Malayalam music vocabulary, such as Bell (മണി), (A Capella ഒരു കാപ്പെല്ല), and other words related to musical tools, musical composition, and all kinds of similar and opposite words. Learning these will proffer a more enlightening and exciting journey for you. So, want to learn more? Continue reading and exploring the Malayalam music world.
Classical Malayalam Music
Music plays a significant role in our lives, and Malayali people cannot live without music. From classical to pop music, the locals enjoy every music genre and celebrate them as a grace to humanity. If you are a music lover, you would agree too. Because no matter how old you are, from rock music to folk songs, music has its enchanting character.
However, here we will learn about a few popular genres in Kerala and their music definition according to the state culture.
Sopana Sangeetham
Sopana Sangeetham is Kerala’s initially created classical music form that developed in the state's temples. The word soprano means leading up to the sanctum sanctorum. Thus, the sopanam music means singing from the side of the temple steps. It is the most famous music genre that the locals admire. The sopanam music is of two types Kottipaadi Seva’ and ‘Ranga Sopanam.’
This particular music composition is considered the continuation of Dravidian music and is mainly based on ragas. One of the most prominent branches of this music form is Arangu Sangeetham. Also known as abhinaya sangeetham, such sounds are used in folk art and classical dance arts like Kathakali, Kutiyattam, etc.
Carnatic Music
Another modern music out of several forms in Kerala is Carnatic music. Introduced and popularised by the former ruler of the kingdom Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, Carnatic, or the modern South Indian music in Kerala, became the heart of every local musician. The locals encourage every musical note and all vocal tones of this music form, from children to professional singers.
In the twentieth century, the state reached the peak of popularity in Carnatic music and birthed several talented singers. Carnatic music’s meaning lies in the holy verses addressed to the deities. Therefore, most Carnatic song teachers like Chembai did not accept remuneration. It offered classes for free to people of different types and religions. In fact, many educational institutions offer Carnatic music classes to students, and many research facilities are also provided to facilitate the music’s potency further.
Folk Songs
No matter where you go, every corner of the world has its own original charm regarding folk songs. Even in Kerala, popular folk music is sung to tell different regional stories mingling with history and culture. The origin of Kerala folk sounds can be dated back to the vocation of the locals. And as Kerala is a diverse state with a unique vocation, the folk songs also differ from region to region.
We know that songs are usually portrayed in an artistic form. But with Kerala folk songs, the musical notes and terms are following the job performed by the natives. It uses simple, ordinary, and understandable words that are basic to the Malayalam dictionary. The harmony of folk songs also portrays god and devotes itself to nature. So, such tunes are not performed only to ease stress but also to educate people on how their jobs are executed.
Traditional Musical Instruments
Now let us discover some traditional musical instruments- സംഗീതോപകരണങ്ങൾ (saṅgītēāpakaraṇaṅṅaḷ) to the accompaniment of the songs sung by the locals. Apart from guitar, piano, and drums, artists of Kerala possess their native tools and instruments that create harmonious instrumental or vocal tones which cannot be produced by any other.
Stringed Instruments- തന്ത്രി വാദ്യങ്ങൾ (Tantri Vādyaṅṅaḷ)
- Veena
- Tampura
- Pulluvakudam
- Nanthuni
- Pullonveena
- Narayanaveena
Membranophones- അവന്ധ വാദ്യങ്ങൾ (Avanadha Vaadhyangal)
- Toppi Madhalam
- Sudha Madhalam
- Thudi
- Arabana
- Udukku
- Timila
- Veekan Chenda
- Pambavadyam
- Dholak
- Idakka
- Kudukudupandi
- Thamber
- Chenda
- Mizhavu
- Thappitta
- Thavil
- Velathavil
Wind Instruments- കാറ്റ് ഉപകരണങ്ങൾ (Kāṟṟ Upakaraṇaṅṅaḷ) / Sushiram
- Kombu
- Odakuzhal
- Kuramkuzhal
- Nagaswaram
- Sanku
Idophonic Instruments- ഘനം (Ghanam)
- Ilathalam
- Chengila
- Haribol
- Chaplankatta
30+ Must-Know Malayalam Music Vocabulary
Now that we know the traditional instruments used by the Malayali musicians to produce an artistic form of auditory communication, let us check out different instruments and genres in the Malayalam language with proper translations. Knowing these will increase your efficiency in spoken pronunciation and enhance your vocabulary beyond the traditional native terms. Ready to sound like a local? Let’s get started with our Malayalam dictionary!
Musical Instruments
Musical Genres
A-H
I-Z
Common Music-Related Words
Over To You!
Is your inner songwriter, music composer, instrumentalist, or vocalist soul getting pumped up after learning all the music-related vocabulary in Malayalam? Knowing these words will help you familiarize yourself with the language and culture deep within Kerala. From their instruments to musical song selection, you get an insight into the regional music industry that gives power and peace to so many.
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