raga

[rah-guh]

noun

1. one of the melodic formulas of Hindu music having the melodic shape, rhythm, and ornamentation prescribed by tradition.

raga

/ ˈrɑːɡə /

noun

1. any of several conventional patterns of melody and rhythm that form the basis for freely interpreted compositions. Each pattern is associated with different aspects of religious devotion

2. a composition based on one of these patterns

Word History and Origins

Origin of raga¹

First recorded in 1780–90, raga is from the Sanskrit word rāga color, tone

Word History and Origins

Origin of raga¹

C18: from Sanskrit rāga tone, colour

Example Sentences

Shortly after “In C,” Riley gave up the use of notation, devoting himself to keyboard improvisation and his vocal raga practice.

From Los Angeles Times

It commissioned a major organ concerto, “At the Royal Majestic,” for soloist Cameron Carpenter, that is as maximalist as it gets, referencing everything from gospel music to jitterbug to ragtime to blues to raga to Minimalism’s motoric phrasing, all of it coming out sounding like Riley.

From Los Angeles Times

He also made a short recording singing an Indian raga,” Komal Reshab Asavari,” accompanied by Sara Miyamoto on tambura.

From Los Angeles Times

The raga is meant to present an understanding of being in the present at the time of loss.

From Los Angeles Times

His pilgrim’s progress began in his early years as a virtuoso pianist, enamored with Ravel and ragtime, to radical experimentation with electronics and pulse and drones as a student at UC Berkeley to extensive raga study in India to becoming a highly influential composition teacher at Mills College in Oakland.

From Los Angeles Times