Performance Characteristics

The performance of a qawwāli is typically a group situation.  This is different from a classical performance which revolves around one person.  Within this group situation there is one main vocalist or qawwāl, and a group of supporting vocalist.  The audience too is considered a participant in this event  

The musical accompaniment is varied; harmonium, tablā, dholak, sārangi, saringda, and rabāb, are common instruments.  Furthermore, a simple clapping of the hands is a ubiquitous rhythmic support. There are several taals in common use in the qawwāli.  The most common is the fast dādrā tal of 6 beats or the fast kaheravā of four or eight beats.  Unlike the more cerebral, classical forms these taals are played in such a way that they produce a driving hypnotic beat.  

Although the qawwāli is not a classical form of singing, it does have some common elements. One finds fast taans, meend gamaks and the other forms of ornamentation which are typical of Hindustāni performances. The structure of the qawwāli is also similar to the classical forms.  It typically starts with the alaap.  This portion has no rhythm and is intended to create the right environment.  One then moves into the main portion of the performance; this is usually in a medium tempo.  The pace slowly increases until a state of extreme excitement is produced. The most common rags used in qawwālis today are bilāwal, khammāj, kāfi, and kalyān.  However one often finds rāgas which are more in common with the modal forms of Persia or Afghanistan.