Final answer:
A raga in North Indian classical music is a melodic framework that forms the basis for improvisation. It has specific rules, notes, melodic patterns, and is associated with particular moods and times of day or season. A raga is explored and showcased by a musician through improvisation, known as alap.
Step-by-step explanation:
A raga in North Indian classical music is a melodic framework that forms the basis for improvisation. It is a complex system of rules and structures that govern the pitch, rhythm, and emotion of the music. Each raga has a unique set of notes (swaras), a particular order in which they are played (arohana and avarohana), and distinct melodic patterns (pakad) that define its character.
For example, the raga Yaman has a pentatonic scale (Sa Re Ga Pa Dha Sa), with specific melodic patterns and ornamentations that give it a romantic and devotional mood. The raga Bhairavi, on the other hand, has a different set of notes (Sa Re Ga ma Pa Dha Ni Sa) and a distinct character that evokes a sense of seriousness and pathos.
Each raga also has a specific time of day or season associated with it, as the mood and emotions conveyed by the raga are believed to be enhanced during those times. The improvisation and exploration of a raga by a musician is called alap, where the musician showcases the different aspects of the raga and builds the atmosphere and mood.