Raag Jaunpuri for string quartet

 This piece is an originally-composed work that largely follows the rules, style, and mood associated with Raag Juanpuri, one of the hundreds of ragas from the Hindustani (North Indian) classical music tradition. Unlike Western classical music, which centers around harmony, Hindustani classical music is based entirely around melody and how it interacts with rhythm. Each raag provides a specific set of notes and rules for how those notes may be used. Within these confines, performers are free to improvise. By following the given rules, performers may create their own piece while still preserving the mood of the raag.

This piece is entirely notated, allowing any string quartet to quickly capture the magic of the Hindustani Classical style. 

Raag Juanpuri conveys a contemplative mood, and is meant to be performed in the late morning hours. A peripheral outline of the most basic elements follow, along with their translation into Western notation. The key of C minor was chosen in deference to Beethoven, who felt the key to be emotionally stormy.