es)
Pave i?

In conjunction with the pubtic
introduction of the SITiAnm to Cassiar
Deepok Mathews has graciously pro-
vided the following information.

The sitar is a musical instrument
that had its origins in North india.
Sitar means seven stringed altnouch
there are resomting strings varying
in numer from 1]-15, these forming
tne basis of the instrument... They
allow the musicixn to attain a range
of three octaves. At eae end aft the
sitar there is 1 dome, The iarger
bottom dome is called a ThUMca,. ach
are pumpxin snells, hollow and highly
polished.

_. Gince the sitar originated in North
“India, the music played is KINDUSTAWT.
the compositions are known as RAGAN.
The ALAP or introduction reveals the
scale to be played to the aicience
amt is done very slowly aw with
great concentration. As tie music
increases in tempo the tune is in-
troduced and the GATH or body of the
composition begins. Within the geth
a competition occurs between the sitar
and the tab'as or drums which usually
accompany it. The tablas maintain
a steady beat but vary their rece.
The sitar is obliged to follow always
ensuring that his rhythm fails with-
in tne predetermined number of beats.
The THALA or conclusion oceurs when
the pace becomes frenzied as the RAGA
is taken to 4a climax as quicxlv as
possinle and then left there.

Ragas fall into categories det-
ermined by a definite mood be it
vathetic or gay. Each has a specific
time te be rlayed although all ragas
should be rlayed late at night he-
tween 9 pom. and 2 a.m, Ouistom dict—
ates that the sitarist worsnipn his
instrument by bathing hefore picking
it up and by lighting incense to it.

Dad was admonishing his son to be
more particular about the girls he
dated. The response: "Sorry, Dad
that's the best I can get with the
car we've pot."

eer tee |