Music and musical instruments played in Kathakali

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Music compositon in Kathakali is of the "margi" type, which tags along the classical Ragamala code with the attribute of lunacy and time-elements and represents the purest form of South Indian Music or the Carnatic music. In fact, this form of purest music has almost become extinct in the present days. A general and vigorous rhythm dominates the entire performance, and the sharp plastic movements of the body that is Anga Abhinaya and the different gestures (Hasta Abhinaya) enormously help the eloquent and perfect expressions of the various emotions, the Nava Rasas or the nine classical sentiments including Shringara, Vira, Karuna, Adbhuta, Raudra, Hashya, Bhyanaka, Bibhatsa and Shanta both in their elemental intensity and complex reactions to each other or the chemistry of feeling as the expert psychologist would put it. The emotional effect of the Kathakali is superb. 

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The vocalists not only deliver the lines but help to set the context and express the inner state of the character by modulating their voice. Music is central to Kathakali performance. With the beat speed the actors also place their parts. Some major musical patterns according to Clifford and Betty that go with the moods content of the scene are Cempata. Cempa music (Depict tension, disagreement between lovers) Pancari (It depicts preparatory such as sharpening a sword). Triputa (Thought provoking). Atanta  (Scenes involving Kings or divinebeings). Many musical instruments are used in Kathakali but the three major instruments are Maddalam (Barrel-shaped), Centa (Cylindrical drum played with curved sticks), and Idakka (drum with muted and melodious notes played when female characters perform).

  

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There are more than five thousand Kathakali padams or songs, but the most popular songs are by the Titans of Kathakali music namely Kottayath Tampuran, Unnaayi Varier and Irayimman Tampi. Three types of drums are used in Kathakali. Maddalam, Centa and Idakka. The play is in the form of verses are lyrical sung by vocalists whose voice has been trained to various melodies (Raga), music and synchronized with the dance acting on the stage.