Varnam

Varnam is a foundational compositional form of Carnatic music, placed at the opening of concerts and at the center of Bharatanatyam dance recitals. It combines lyric sections — pallavi, anupallavi and charanam — with passages of pure solfa syllables (swara), displaying a raga's contours at moderate tempo with technical precision. Composed to be rendered first slowly and then at double speed, the varnam tests a performer's command of melody, rhythm and breath before the main repertory. The Bhairavi varnam "Viriboni" by *Pachimiriyam Adiappayya* remains the form's most celebrated example.