Question

What is “Vilamba Kala” and “Atitam”?

Hint:

Vilamba Kala is slow tempo; Atitam is starting before the beat. Both enrich the artistry of Carnatic performance.

Answer 1

Vilamba Kala: It refers to a slow tempo in Carnatic music. Performances in vilamba kala allow for detailed exploration of gamakas, bhava, and lyrical clarity.

Enables deeper expression of the raga.
Commonly used in alapana, varnam, and the opening section of a kriti.
Example: The opening lines of a kriti like "Vatapi Ganapatim" are often rendered in Vilamba Kala before moving to faster speeds. Atitam: Atitam refers to the starting of a composition before the first beat (samam) of a tala. It is a type of eduppu.

The phrase begins prior to the tala cycle and resolves on the beat.
Requires precise calculation to align correctly.
Importance: Both Vilamba Kala and Atitam enhance rhythmic and melodic richness. Atitam challenges rhythmic control, while Vilamba Kala emphasizes expressive depth.