ĀLĀP

Ālāp: translation

(Sans. "conversation")

   A non-metric improvisational introduction preceding the establishment of tāla common in much Hindu devotional and art music. It presents the rāga to be used for the entire composition. It may last from a few minutes to an hour, although those associated with devotional genres are typically short. The earliest notated examples date from the 13th century. See also DHRUPAD.