What are classical tabla compositions?
Classical tabla is the presentation of a solo by a tabla player. Although the solo is one entire piece it is always broken down into component parts in order to display the particular sound and repertoire of the performer. These component parts are mainly centred on pre-composed compositions that have evolved along the lines of the particular style or gharana that they were played in. Examples of such compositions are uthan, mohra, peshkar, kaida, tukra, paran, mukra, chakradhar, gat, rela and tihai. Each composition serves a different purpose in the solo. The uthan, which literally means act of rising, is the first part of the solo while the peshkar or presentation is piece with complex rhythm passages unique to tabla with the aim of displaying the basic bols of tabla. A kaida is a theme which is expanded by variations based on the artists imagination defined within the rules of normal kaida expansion while a tukra is a pre-composed set piece where the bols or syllables are generally spoken and then played in quick succession which is designed to show not only the artist’s virtuosity but also his ability to speak the syllables according to the way he plays the tukra. The paran is similar although the way it is expressed follows the pakhawaj style more closely than the tukra. The rela, which means rushing, is normally the grand finale of the solo and uses bol patterns that are designed to be played in quick succession.
These compositions are taught by the teacher over a period of time allowing the student to gain full understanding of all the elements of each piece. The way that a teacher expresses a piece is a reflection of his or her gharana and the emphasis points in each composition are strictly enforced to the student in order for him or her to gain a perfect understanding of the sound of the composition in its particular style.
Classical tabla compositions are not only essential in providing a solid foundation for the student but if taught well they can be extremely rewarding, exciting and fulfilling to the student.
A short clip of a Punjab gharana kaida (a classical tabla theme) by the great tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussein set to a lehera in Raag dhani on Sarangi.
