Chautaal Is The Beautiful 12 Beats Tabla Theka
Welcome to my Tabla Theka blog.
Introduction - Chautaal:
Chautaal, also known as Chartal, is one of the most revered and ancient taals in Hindustani classical music. It is a dignified and powerful rhythmic cycle of 12 matras (beats), primarily associated with the oldest form of Hindustani vocal music, Dhrupad. This taal is almost exclusively played on the pakhawaj due to its open, resonant bols (syllables) that perfectly complement the majestic nature of Dhrupad singing.
Structure - Chautaal:
The 12 matras of Chautaal are divided into six vibhags (sections), with each section containing 2 matras. This even structure gives the taal a very balanced and stately feel. The taali (clap) is on the 1st, 5th, and 11th matras, while the khaali (wave) is on the 3rd and 7th matras. Below is a breakdown of its structure:
- Sam (First Beat): The Sam marks the start of the cycle and is an important point in the composition.
- Khaali (Empty Beat): The third Vibhag is indicated by Khaali, creating a sense of emptiness.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Taal/Theka | Chautaal |
| Beats/Matra | 12 |
| Divisions/Vibhag | 6 (2|2|2|2|2|2) |
| Clap/Tali | 4 (On 1st, 5th, 9th, 11th beats) |
| Sam | On 1st beat |
| Wave/Khali | 2 (On 3rd, 7th beats) |
| Tempo/Laya | Medium |
Theka of Chautaal:
- The theka (basic rhythmic pattern) of Chautaal is:
Chautaal in Classical Music:
Chautaal is widely used in:
- Dhrupad: Chautaal enhances Hindustani classical music for singing and playing, adding to the overall beauty of the music.
- Pakhawaj Accompaniment: The taal acts as accompaniment on the pakhawaj, revealing the layers and complex meter to listeners.
- Dhamar Style: Unlike Dhrupad, Chautaal supports a constant cycle, serving as the rhythmic foundation for another classical style.
Conclusion:
Chautaal is important in Indian music due to its twelve beats. Its complex rhythm makes it special. Chautaal fits both old and new styles of music, being used in both traditional and creative ways.
Taal Sign Explanation:
The symbols used in Taal notation help musicians understand the rhythm's structure:
- Sam is marked by an (x).
- Wave is marked by a (0).
- Clap is represented by the corresponding number (e.g., 1, 2, 3).
- Pause is represented by (S).
- Divisions are shown by a vertical bar (|).
Get More Updates on Tabla Thekas:
- Learn about other taals like Tivra taal aad layakari and Bramha Taal.
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