Tals and Rhythms
By Tal, we are referring to the repetition of time-cycles that exist in Indian classical music for the purpose of accompaniment. In accompaniment music, the tabla takes on the role of a secondary instrument and apart from possibly a few brief moments that the primary instrumentalist or vocalist choose to give the tabla player to show his virtuosity, tabla is restricted to the repetition of pre-composed beat cycles in varying speeds. These cycles are referred to as Tals. The variations of notes to produce different rhythms in the same Tal are called Theka.
We have put together some short educational material for the listener giving a taste of some of some light Tal compositions.
1 Subhash Chandra (Tabla) ; Pandit Ram Narayan (Sarangi) - Tin Tal
Tin Tal is a 16 Beat cycle and very commonly played in all speeds during a classical instrumental program.
2 Ustad Zakir Hussein (Tabla) ; Pandit Harprasad Chaurasia (Flute) - Tal Keherva
Tal Keherva is an 8 Beat cycle. Although the number of variations are infinite some common ones are essential to learn by any Tabla player as they are regularly presented by instrumentalists and vocalists. One such common variation often referred to as Bhajan Keherva is heard here.
3 Vijay Ghate (Tabla) ; Ustad Shahid Parvez (Sitar) ; Ustad Faiyaz Hussein Khan(Violin) - Tal Dadra
Tal Dadra is a 6 Beat cycle and very commonly used in classical instrumental music where the Ragas lend themselves to being played in lighter rhythms. (Raga Pahadi and Rajasthani Raga Maand would be common examples of these).