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Introduction to Ara Choutaal
Ara Choutaal is a 14-beat rhythm introduced by Rabindranath Tagore. This rhythm is a crucial part of Rabindra Sangeet, and Tagore uses it extensively in his music.
Historical Context
Ara Choutaal is adapted from a rhythm found in Carnatic music. Tagore reimagined this rhythm for his Bengali compositions, creating something new and unique within his own Rabindrik Taal system.
Watch a Live Demonstration of Ara Choutaal
The Structure of Ara Choutaal
Ara Choutaal has 14 beats (matras) and 4 divisions (vibhags). Here’s a breakdown of its beat structure:
| Beats (Matra) | 14 |
|---|---|
| Divisions (Vibhag) | 4 (Pattern: 2|4|4|4) |
| Clap (Taali) | 4 (On the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 11th beats) |
| Wave (Khali) | None |
| Common Tempo (Laya) | Medium (Madhya) |
Theka for Ara Choutaal
The basic theka for Ara Choutaal is as follows, with each division in its own row for mobile-friendly viewing:
| 1 | 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dha | Dha | ||
| X (Sam) | |||
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Dha | Ge | Den | Ta |
| 2(Clap) | |||
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Kat | Tage | Den | Ta |
| 3(Clap) | |||
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| Tite | Kata | Gadhi | Ghene |
| 4(Clap) | |||
How to Practice Ara Choutaal
To master this unique taal, focus on its unconventional structure:
- Internalize the 2-4-4-4 Pulse: Before playing, repeatedly count and clap the divisions aloud: "1-2 | 1-2-3-4 | 1-2-3-4 | 1-2-3-4". This is the most crucial step.
- No Khali, Continuous Energy: The absence of a Khali gives this taal a continuous, forward-driving feel. Practice maintaining this energy throughout the cycle.
- Listen to the Original Compositions: The best way to learn the authentic feel is to immerse yourself in the Rabindra Sangeet compositions that use this taal.
Application of Ara Choutaal
Ara Choutaal creates a unique aesthetic in Bengali music. This rhythm makes the song lively and is special to listeners. It is famous in Rabindra Sangeet.
Songs with Ara Choutaal in Rabindra Sangeet
Some songs using Ara Choutaal by Rabindranath Tagore include:
- Sabe Ananda Karo
- Shubhro Asone Birajo
Conclusion
Ara Choutaal is a crucial rhythm in Tagore's music. Its 14 beats give Rabindra Sangeet a unique character that listeners enjoy. This taal enriches Indian classical music. While it shares the same beat count as the classical Dhamar Taal, its structure and feel are distinctly different, showcasing Tagore's innovative genius.