[danans]

> That hasn't been my observation at all. 100% of the stuff I find on Spotify is improvised and interpretative.

Khyal is mostly improvised, but even then if you listen closely there are common phrases and rhythmic patterns that get reused over and over again. Think of them as analogous to standard blues licks and riffs.

Also, if you are not a native speaker of Indian languages, especially with instrumental music you aren't hearing the words to the songs. A native listener would however recognize the fixed compositions and themes because they often know words that go along with them. I would recommend listening to the vocal renderings of Indian classical music to develop the sense.

Here are notes and lecture from a performance from the Dhrupad style that might help illuminate some of this:

https://asiasociety.org/video/gundecha-brothers-concert-high...

[fermienrico]

I see your point. I listen to vocal renditions, but context around what's being said would be helpful.