Varnam : There are three types of varnams – tana varnam, pada varnam and chowka varnam. The first is used most frequently in music concerts. This is not only an advanced study piece but a fine concert-opener too. The first phase consists of a pallavi, anupallavi and solfa passages, while a charanam and three to five more rounds of solfa notes form the second phase. The speed of rendition is medium (sometimes the first phase may be presented in two or more speeds). Classical varnams have been composed in weighty and evocative ragas,usually expressing romantic sentiments. Chowka varnams are composed in much slower speeds and are sometimes rendered even in the middle part of a concert. Pada varnams have lyrics in the solfa passages, which make them ideal for dance recitals as well.
Krti : There are many types of krtis. The most common type consists of a pallavi, anupallavi and one or more charanams (sometimes with a sprinkling of the other parts). Tempos range from slow to super fast. The theme revolves around the devotional, philosophical or descriptive. Krtis are the backbone of a Carnatic concert. (See Chapter 7 – Typical Concert)
Padam : A romantic piece rendered normally at a slow pace. It consists of a pallavi, anupallavi and charanam(s). Sometimes, the anupallavi is used as the starting point. A good repertoire of padams from an authentic school widens the perspective of the listener and increases one’s enjoyment of the innumerable, minute, melodic nuances.
Swarajati : These consist of a pallavi, anupallavi and charanams, the last of which are rendered both as swaras and lyrics. Often times, the charanams are in medium speed and flooded with words. Though a few swarajatis are taught to beginners, several more are sophisticated and concert-worthy.
Javali : Javalis are romantic pieces that are shorter than padams and are rendered faster. They consist of a pallavi, (anupallavi) and charanam(s).
Tillana : Tillanas also consist of pallavi, anupallavi and charanam(s) but are often filled with jatis.
Padams, javalis and tillanas are very attractive pieces for both music and dance concerts.
Some other forms like tevaram, pashurams, tiruppugazh, devaranama and shlokam also find place in a concert. Of late, there has been a trend of rendering Hindustani bbajans and Marathi abhangs towards the end of the concert.