Carnatic Level 3 — Kritis

A Krti (also spelled Kirtana or Keertana) is the most important compositional form in Carnatic music. Unlike a Varnam — which is primarily a practice piece — a Krti is a complete musical and devotional statement. It consists of three main sections: Pallavi (opening refrain), Anupallavi (second section, often reaching the upper octave), and one or more Charanams (verses). Many Kritis also include a Madhyama Kalam — a section sung at double speed to demonstrate rhythmic agility.

The Trinity of Carnatic Music — Muttusvami Dikshitar (1775–1835), Tyagaraja (1767–1847), and Syama Sastri (1762–1827) — composed thousands of Kritis that form the backbone of the concert repertoire. Level 3 introduces four carefully selected Kritis that cover different ragas, talas, composers, and languages.