What is the general form of a Carnatic music concert?

What will be an ideal response?

• A Carnatic music concert is built on a series of segments (a "string of compositions").


• Each composition is in a specific raga and tala, and is usually based on a song from the known repertory of Carnatic music.


• Many of these song-based compositions will be optionally extended by improvisation forms preceding, within, or following the song.


• After the usual opening etude (varnam), a string of contrasting kritis—the principal song form of South Indian classical music—builds to the climax or "main item" of the concert featuring the most extensive improvisations and a drum solo.


• The end of the concert has a more relaxed atmosphere with "lighter" selections (e.g., devotional music, religious verses, or songs from the classical dance tradition).


• CD 2:3, "Sarasiruha" (based on a song addressed to Saraswati, the goddess of music and learning) is an example of a kriti in Natai raga, adi tala.