Kuzhal Pattu

Kuzhal pattuis a form oftraditional temple musicpractised in theIndian stateofKerala.It centers on the use of thekuzhal,adouble reedwind instrument, and is typically performed at temple festivals.

Structure

In kuzhal pattu, the kuzhal plays the lead with the support of several accompanying instruments, which may includechenda(bothtrebleandbass),ilathalam,toppi maddalam and a sruti (drone) kuzhal. A Kuzhal Pattu typically starts with the lead kuzhal essaying analapanamto establish araga.The other instruments may join in as the kuzhal pattu progresses through several ragas and compositions. The span of the musical form ranges from five minutes to over an hour, with an average length of 30 minutes.

Performance

Kuzhal pattu is typically used as a prelude topanchari melam,but may also be played prior to night seevelis (temple circumambulations) that performpanchavadyam.It is usually performed inside the temple beforemidnight.The kuzhal pattu is generally played in an elaborate way at temple festivals aroundThrissurandValluvanadareas, but it isn't very uncommon in other parts of Kerala as well. Valappay Nandhan, Oorakam Chandran, Kombathu Anil and Dhaneesh Thirunayathode were some of the famous persons who play Kuzhal Pattu very well

Sources

• Killius, Rolf. (2006)Ritual Music and Hindu Rituals of Kerala.New Delhi: BR Rhythms.ISBN81-88827-07-X.

External links

• and the Goddess loves music...,The British Library.