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Chapter 29: Six, Seven, Twelve, and
Fourteen Matra Cycles
BANGLA
EKTAL
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gha |
ti |
ra |
gha |
ti |
tā |
tā |
gha |
ti |
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gha |
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tā |
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gha |
ti |
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ki |
ti |
tā |
tā |
ki |
ti |
ra |
ki |
ti |
tā |
tā |
Figure 29.1
This is actually a Bengali version of ektal. This is heard in classical Bengali bhajans. It is not like the regular ektal
that we studied before. The format of the tala is
very similar to that of tintal.
CAUTALA
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dhin |
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dhā |
dhin |
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ki |
ṭa |
tin |
dhā |
tin |
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ti |
ra |
ki |
ṭa |
ga |
di |
ga |
na |
Figure 29.2
Cautala or chautal is an ancient pakhawaj tala in twelve beats
used in an ancient musical form known as “dhrupada.”
While that form of music is on the decline, so is the use of this tala. The format of this tala is
very similar to that of adi tala’s.
VIKRAM
TALA
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dhā |
dhet |
tā |
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tā |
din |
tā |
ti |
ra |
ki |
ṭa |
ga |
di |
ga |
na |
Figure 29.3
Vikram tala is a very simple six
beat cycle used in lighter forms of music where pakhawaj
might have been used.
JHUMARA
TALA
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dhin |
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dhā |
ti |
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ki |
ṭa |
dhin |
dhin |
dhā |
ge |
ti |
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ki |
ṭa |
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tin |
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tā |
ti |
ra |
ki |
ṭa |
dhin |
dhin |
dhā |
ge |
ti |
ra |
ki |
ṭa |
Figure 29.4
Jhumara tala is a fourteen matra cycle that is usually played in a vilambit
lay. It was once of the most popular choices for rhythm in vilambit
lay. However, one will rarely hear this tala.
Musicians will have preference with vilambit ektal or vilambit tintal.
TIVRA TALA
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dhā |
dhin |
tā |
ti |
ra |
ki |
ṭa |
ga |
di |
ga |
na |
Figure 29.5
The ancient tala used in
Bengali music and played on pakhawaj is the ancient
predecessor of the rupak tala
we use today.
DHAMAR
TALA
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ka |
dhi |
ṭa |
dhi |
ṭa |
dhā |
— |
ga |
ti |
ṭa |
ti |
ṭa |
tā |
— |
Figure 29.6
Dhamar tala is a fourteen beat
cycle divided in a very unique way; 5-2-3-4. This tala
is very common in dhrupada and dhamar
music. Dhamar is actually dhrupad form singing
glories of Lord Krsna’s pastimes in the Holi festival.
BRAHMA
TALA
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dhā |
ti |
ṭa |
dhet |
dhin |
nā |
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dhā |
ge |
dhet |
dhet |
dhin |
nā |
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nā |
ga |
dhā |
ge |
ti |
ṭa |
ka |
ṭa |
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ga |
di |
ga |
na |
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Figure 29.7
Here is another ancient fourteen matra
pakhawaj tala.
UPDATED: June 20, 2009