🇺🇸
/əˈlæp/
🇺🇸
/əˈlæp/
🇬🇧
/əˈlæp/
🇬🇧
/əˈlæp/
Plural
alaps
Alap is a Sanskrit-derived term used in Indian classical music to describe the slow, unmetered, improvised opening section of a raga performance — it establishes the mood, scale, and melodic contours without rhythm or percussion. Think of it as the musical equivalent of sketching the soul of a raga before adding structure and tempo.
The sitarist spent fifteen minutes in alap, gradually revealing the essence of Raga Bhairav.
Unlike the fast-paced jhala, the alap is meditative and free of tala.
In Hindustani classical concerts, the alap always precedes the gat.
Her alap demonstrated deep understanding of microtonal shades (shruti) in the raga.
A masterful alap can evoke profound stillness — no tabla, no beat, just pure melody unfolding.