Alap
The Alap (pronounced ah-laap) is the opening section of a typical North-Indian rãg (or raga). The notes of the rãg are introduced by the soloist (commonly on the sitar). It is unmetred (without structure), improvised, unaccompanied (except for the tanpura drone) and slow in tempo. It may last for a few seconds or several hours depending upon the soloist.
Two examples of alaps are:
- Anakshar alap
- Sakshar alap
See also: Pandit Pran Nath and LaMonte Young.