An RTP is an abbreviation for a Ragam Tanam Pallavi, one of the most complex, intricate, and fascinating concepts in Carnatic Music.
The first part of an RTP is the raga alapana, or ragam. A raga alapana is improvisation where the artists develop and elaborate upon a raga(s) (melodic scale), showcasing the scope and beauty of the raga.
After ragam, the artists will perform thanam, a semi-rhythmic, faster-paced exposition of the chosen raga(s), sometimes with mridangam.
The pallavi is the final portion of an RTP. It is a lyrical line composed in the raga(s) that the ragam and tanam were in. Pallavis are also set to various talas -- rhythmic patterns -- ranging from simple to complicated. These lines are repeated with melodic and rhythmic variations.
Click here to watch the videos from this performance! Thank to Parivadini for webcasting Pallavi Darbar.