Voice Culture The voice culture of Patiala Gharana employs the use of strong and full throated voice. Its speciality lies in the use of rich, sweet, melodious and intricate use of notes in three octaves. The use of notes in analytical style is expressive. There are the minute differences which distinguish this style from other gharanas. The use of different notes, melodious voice culture and the use of special types of gamaks makes this gharana a complete different style. Use of Laya (tempo) Every gharana has its own style for determining the tempo that is applicable in case of Patiala Gharana also. The Laya is usually medium from the very beginning. The khayal is sung in that Laya. In between, the use of different styles of taanas is done in the tempo suitable for the composition. The laya is controlled while the various intricacies like miraculous taans, alap, bol-alap and bol-taana are incorporated in between. Due to this discipline in maintaining the desired tempo, the Patiala Gharna is easily recognised and can be differentiated from other gharanas. Use of Embellishments The gayaki of Patiala Gharana is very rich in the use of different embellishments. It employs the use of kana, gamak, meend, khatka, murki and others. These elements are used in khayal at suitable places which depends on the creativity and imagination of the artist. These embellishments are used occasionally in a new style. The typical phrases enriched with gamak, lachak, sur, meend and kana is the uniqueness of Patiala Gharana. The use of sargam is presented in a very special manner in harmony with the nature, aesthetics and time of the raga. Due to its basis in Punjab, the Punjabi folk has influenced the gayaki of Patiala gharana. The use of these elements makes this style quite from other gharanas. Pronunciation The pronunciation of words in a composition is clear and expressive. The words are used in an artistic manner; the use of Punjabi, Gurumukhi, Sufiana Nabi words is quite prevalent in the gayaki of Patiala Gharana. Bandishes of Patiala Gharana Compositions are the basis of a gharana which show the nature of the gayaki. The very crisp short and impressive compositions are enriched with khatka, murki, kana, swar, Drut laya and very intricate taanas. The use of Firat and sapat taanas enhances the beauty of this style. These compositions are a style of its own which is totally different from other styles and gharanas. |