Listen: How tabla players accompany specially choreographed kathak works

In the last instalment of our series on tabla accompaniment to Hindustani vocal music and dance, we look closely at specially choreographed works that form a part of kathak performances and require a different skill from tabla players.
Given the fact that these are largely precomposed works often using vocal forms like taranas that are interspersed with dance, pakhawaj or tabla compositions, the tabla players have to rehearse these compositions in order to be well-acquainted with the sequence of changes within each work.
At times, the music ensemble may have a tabla player who does not usually accompany the dancer. In such cases, dancers may choose to have an additional tabla player or pakhawaj player who regularly accompanies them, as these musicians have memorised the sequences and can take the lead in guiding the rhythmic accompaniment.
On other occasions, especially when dancers travel overseas, the usual ensemble does not accompany them. In such cases, they may even choose to use a recorded version of the music for their dance recitals.
The track in today's instalment features a tarana in the raag Nand set to the 12-matra Ektaal. It is sung by well-known vocalist and composer Ashit Desai and is interpreted by the renowned dancer Durga Lal. Listeners will note the manner in which the tabla follows the footwork and dance compositions as well as the syllables of the tarana.
Play

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

New Indian Express

a day ago

• New Indian Express

Krisha Kurup on playing Dinanath's Anu in 'Ronth' and her acting journey

You remember that viral song "En Pondate Nee, Pondate Nee…' from Goli Soda 2, then you'll surely recall the expressive, curly-haired Madhi who stole hearts on screen. That young girl, Krisha Kurup, is no longer just a face from a Tamil hit she's now making waves in Malayalam cinema with her recent performance in Ronth. But behind that confident on-screen presence lies a story stitched together with dreams, detours, and quiet determination. A Mumbai Girl with Kerala roots Though she speaks fluent Malayalam today, Krisha was born and raised in Chembur, Mumbai. 'We're a Malayali joint family, but our entire life was in Mumbai. My parents too were raised there,' she says. Her childhood was modest and grounded in middle-class values, with school days spent juggling textbooks, dance classes, and Hindustani music lessons. 'I took up classical dance and Hindustani music so I wouldn't lose touch with my roots,' she shares. Her grandmother played a pivotal role in teaching her Malayalam, a language she picked up at home, rather than from any formal school curriculum. Krisha's first brush with performance came when she was in Class 8, through a unique opportunity a voice test for the BBC-owned CBeebies channel. Her father's friend had suggested her name for dubbing the cartoon, 3rd and Bird from English to Hindi. 'That was my first creative breakthrough,' she recalls. Not only did she land the dubbing role, but she was soon writing Hindi translations for TLC shows all before she turned 15. Soon, she found herself performing classical dance at Rotary Club and Lions Club events, slowly stepping into public view. That's when a call came for a short film audition and changed everything.

Deccan Herald

2 days ago

• Deccan Herald

Sanjay Divecha's new album features a collection of guitar solos

Noted jazz guitarist Sanjay Divecha released his latest album on June 1. Titled 'Leela', it is a collection of songs from Divecha's solo guitar repertoire. The album has been in the making for about five months. .Divecha has been a jazz guitarist and composer for 35 years. Though he initially trained to play the sitar and learned Hindustani classical music, he picked up the guitar at age 15 and never looked back. 'I grew up listening to everything from Hindustani classical to Western classical, which my dad would play at home,' shares the 63-year-old. He would listen to music played on the radio, as well as music from films, and genres such as rock and folk music from Europe and America. .In 1987, Divecha moved to Los Angeles to learn jazz. He spent 15 years in the USA. During this time he played a variety of styles of music, from Afro-Cuban to Brazilian. When he returned to India in 2003, he learned Hindustani and Karnatik music all over again. 'My music involves and incorporates many sounds and different styles from all over, not just India, but also the world,' he says..A confluence of music and leads three diverse ensembles — Sanjay Divecha & Secret, MERKABA, and the Sanjay Divecha Trio. Sanjay Divecha & Secret uses the classical and folk traditions of India and various Indian languages, mixed with global sounds. The ensemble's albums represent Divecha's cultural identity. MERKABA's music is all rock, soul and blues based, with some jazz influences. However, he is most known in India for his jazz ensemble, The Sanjay Divecha compositions are generally about people and musicians who have left a mark on him or places that have inspired him. This is visible in 'Leela' as well. The opening song of the album 'When mountains meet the sky', was inspired by his trips to the Himalayas, and 'For Tom' is a tribute to Brazilian musician Antonio Carlos Jobim, fondly known as Tom. Recording the music of 'Leela' has been one of the most fulfilling experiences for him, shares the Mumbai-based Divecha does spend a lot of his time on stage and in rehearsals, he also finds time to give private lessons and hold guitar workshops. He believes that the best way to nurture talent is to have enough platforms for musicians to express themselves, especially for a genre like jazz that is niche and comparatively less popular in India.

Time of India

4 days ago

• Time of India

Who is Palash Muchhal? 5 things to know about cricket star Smriti Mandhana's music composer boyfriend

Smriti Mandhana is one of the biggest names in the cricket world. The star batter enjoys a strong fan following because of her elegant stroke play and fighting spirit. Smriti has also ften grabbed attention because of her relationship with music composer Palash Muchhal. The two have been together for a while and a still going strong. Palash is singer Palak Muchhal's brother and a known artist in his own right. Here is more about him. Palash Muchhal was born in 1995 Palash was born into a Marwari family on May 22, 1995. He is trained in Hindustani Classical music and also specialises in composing 'filmi' tunes. Palash began his Bollywood journey in 2014 Palash began his Bollywood career when he composed music for Shilpa Shetty's Dishkiyaoon (2014). He also worked on films such as Bhoonathnath Returns and Amit Sahini Ki List. The multi-talented artist also acted in Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey, which was released in 2010. Additionally, he lent his voice to the Zindagi Bana Loon song from the 2017 wedding drama Sweetie Weds NRI (2017 He has a heart of gold He and his elder sister Palak also participate in stage performances across India and internationally to help raise funds for underprivileged children who require financial support for heart disease treatment. More than just a composer Palash has also tried his hand at direction. He wielded the microphone for the web series Rickshaw and the Rajpal Yadav-led Ardh. Palash Muchhal and Smriti Mandhana began dating in 2019 and have been each other's rock since. The composer often supports his cricketer girlfriend during her matches. He is also helping her hone her music skills.