alapa | अलाप

Alapa (Devanagari: अलाप; ISO 15919: alāpa) in Indian classical music is the modulation of the voice as a prelude to singing a raga.

The alapa serves to slowly unfold and explore the notes and phrases of the raga. While typically performed as a prelude, it can also occur in the middle of a performance.

Further Reading and Reference

• Also written as: alaap, alap
• Related Concepts: malhara, megh malhar
• Shyama Shyam Geet - Love Songs of Shri Radha Krishna