Krsna Kirtana Songs est. 2001 www.kksongs.org
Lesson 1:
Introduction and Basics to the Kartals
Throughout the history of kirtana, the two
fundamental instruments that represented rhythm were the mrdanga and the
kartal. The mrdanga (also known as a khol) is a sacred clay drum, while the
kartal is a pair of finger cymbals. Most of the kartals are made of two brass
(or some rare cases, silver) cymbals which are connected with some kind of
cloth or rope. Figure 1.1A is a picture of the kartals. Note the brass material
and the red connector between the two cymbals. The side facing down is the
playing side.
Figure 1.1A
Each kartal has two special sides. The outer edge is towards the rim of the
kartal cymbal. The center is the
region where there is a dip. Figure 1.1B looks on the playing side.
Figure 1.1B
After recognizing the parts, there are two more
fundamental steps in order to be able to play kartal. The first is developing
clear sounds. This lesson will devote time to be able to produce clear open and
clear closed sounds.
Open
sounds are produced by striking the
kartals on the center. Then, the right kartal moves downward while the left
kartal moves upward. A nice resonant and ringing sound should emanate. Figure
1.2 shows the demonstration of this.
Figure 1.2
Closed
sounds are nonresonant sounds which
do not result in a clear ringing sound. Both kartals strike each other’s
center. It will almost sound like a clap.
Figure 1.3
Practice being able to make open and closed sounds
effortlessly. This is a skill that must be mastered in order to move on to
second fundamental; time keeping.