Editing Carnatic music (section)

===Varnam===
{{Main|Varnam}}

Varnams are short metric pieces which encapsulate the main features and requirements of a ''[[raga]]''.<ref>[[#Nettl2005|Nettl (2005)]], p189</ref> The features and rules of the raga (also known as the ''sanchaaraas'' of a raga) include how each note of the raga should be stressed, the scale of the raga, and so on.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web|url=http://www.karnatik.com/glossv.shtml|title=Royal Carpet: Glossary of Carnatic Terms V|work=karnatik.com}}</ref> All varnams consist of lyrics,<ref name="Bradnock 1992 p631">[[#Bradnock1992|Bradnock (1992)]], p631</ref> as well as swara passages, including a ''[[pallavi]]'', an ''[[Anupallavi (music)|anupallavi]]'', ''muktayi swaras'', a ''[[charanam]]'', and ''[[chitta swara|chittaswaras]]''.<ref name="autogenerated2" />

Known for their complex structure, varnams are a fundamental form in Carnatic music.<ref name="Bradnock 1992 p631"/> Varnams are practised as vocal exercises in multiple speeds by performers of Carnatic music, to help develop voice culture, and maintain proper pitch and control of rhythm. In Carnatic music concerts, varnams are often performed by musicians as the opening item – acting as a warm up for the musicians,<ref>[[#Gupta2006|Gupta (2006)]], p68</ref> and as a means of grabbing the attention of the audience.<ref name="autogenerated2" />