Alap

Alap is a musical term from Indian classical music that refers to the introductory section of a performance. During alap, the musician explores the raga (melodic framework) in a slow and free-flowing manner, without rhythm. This phase allows the artist to express the raga’s mood and intricacies, setting the emotional tone for the performance. Alap gradually builds in complexity and can be a deeply meditative experience, inviting listeners into the essence of the raga before moving into more structured and rhythmic sections of the music.