Classical Tabla Compositions
By classical tabla playing we normally mean the demonstration of separate tabla compositions bound together by an underlying beat cycle called Tal and then presented in the form of a continuous solo piece.
There are many such tabla compositions in the solo tabla tradition and each one requires a particular skill from the artist to present correctly.
We have put together some short educational material for the listener giving a taste of some of those compositions.
1 Ustad Zakir Hussein - Kaida
Kaida (literally rule) in the context of Tabla solo is a theme. The main theme is then elaborated upon by a succession of variations called Paltas. Ustad Zakir Hussein is heard playing a famous Kaida composition in the Delhi style.
2 Ustad Zakir Hussein - Chakradhar Tukra
Tukra (literally piece) in the context of Tabla is a small piece of a larger composition called Paran originating from the Pakhawaj, a barrel shaped single drum preceding the Tabla and providing much of its compositional repertoire. It is often spoken by the tabla player and then played by him or her in the way that it is spoken serving the dual purpose of demonstrating the link between Tabla and its spoken syllables and the virtuosity of the Tabla player. Ustad Zakir Hussein is heard playing a Chakradhar Tukra which is simply a Tukra played 3 times in succession.
3 Ustad Zakir Hussein - Rela
Rela (literally rushing) in the context of Tabla is a composition played at speed and often played at the end of a solo as a grand finale. The notes in a Rela lend themselves to being played at ultra fast pace in succession and in Western drumming could be described as close to a drum roll. Here Ustad Zakir Hussein demonstrates a Rela.