Krsna Kirtana Songs est. 2001 www.kksongs.org
Lesson 8: Eight Matra
Kirtan Thekas 1
As
we enter our world of rhythms, we will encompass one of the most popular,
versatile, and admired talas of various genres of music. This is the tala
bearing of eight matras. The reason why eight matras is considered to be one of
the preferred rhythms is because counting in “fours” or “eights” are easy to
clap and follow. Sixteen matra tintal might not go to well with the mass
public, as tintal is primarily used in classical music. However, eight matra
talas will continue to be popular as long as there is some iota of interest in
music, whether its composing or listening.
Since
eight matras talas are quite popular, we will spend three weeks of lessons in
examining these cycles. There are many eight matra talas that exist, but we
will focus on three particular kinds, namely the kaherva tala, Prabhupada tala,
and the bhajani tala.
This
lesson, will we look into the talas of Kaherva Tala in medium tempo.
THEKA:
Kaherva Tala is a tala of eight matras divided 4+4, with tali on
sam and khali on matra 5. Alone, this information will not suffice in giving us
the real essence of this tala. The theka is important. Remember from Lesson 6,
when discussing a tala, the matra number, the tala structure, and the theka are
very important in giving a tala its structure.
The
theka or the standard is as follows:
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X |
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0 |
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
|
dhā |
ge |
nā |
tin |
nā |
ka |
dhin |
nā |
AUDIO CLIP: Lesson 8 Kaherva
Theka Practice
Kaherva
tala is a type of tala where hardly anyone will strictly play theka. Hence, it
is quite important to learn some of the many prakars of kaherva tala.
Remember
that a prakar is a variation of the
theka.
PRAKAR 1:
|
X |
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0 |
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|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
|
dhā |
ti |
ti |
Tā |
tā |
dhin |
dhin |
dhā |
Prakar
1 has shadows of tintal. Notice the dayan activity is just like tintal.
“tā ti ti tā.” Notice the capitalized T in Tā on matra 4. It is
indicating emphasis on tā. (ka + tā = Tā)
AUDIO CLIP: Lesson 8 Kaherva
Prakar 1 Practice
PRAKAR 2:
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X |
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0 |
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
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gha |
|
ti |
Tā |
|
ga |
dhin |
nā |
Amongst
all of the thekas, this one stands out as being the most “powerful” sound one.
Here,
we introduce the pause. A pause is a
matra where there is no activity on the khol. It is shown by a space or the
letter “S.” When reading this tala out, say the word “pause” in the blanks. It
will be easier keeping time in this way.
The pausing and emphasis is unusual for the flow of kaherva.
AUDIO CLIP: Lesson 8 Kaherva
Prakar 2 Practice
PRAKAR 3:
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X |
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0 |
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
|
|
dhā |
ti |
ra |
ki |
ti |
tā |
ge |
dhin |
nā |
The
most refined version of tala kaherva.
Practice
these talas daily! Have a friend accompany you on kartals! Accompany many small
kirtans where you are the sole mridanga player. These talas above are used in
kirtan in various degrees!
AUDIO CLIP: Lesson 8 Kaherva
Prakar 3 Practice