NAVYA C
RHYTHM- THE LESSER OBSERVED BEAUTY IN CLASSICAL MUSIC
The world runs on a particular universal rhythm . Everything in the world runs on a specific pace and unique sound associated towards it . Right from the sound of heart beat of a human being , or an living organism- rhythm is an inevitable part of our lives . When it comes to Music- rhythm can make or break a composition . More than the tune , it is the rhythm that first draws the attention of the listener . When it comes to Carnatic music , even the ancient scriptures say , “ Sruti Maata , Layah Pita ” ( Pitch is the mother , and rhythm is the father ) that creates music . A father ’ s role in the life of a person is to bring in discipline , and order . In the same way , rhythm brings a sense of order to a composition and also forms the real soul of it .
Hindustani and Western Classical music – and even folk music is heavily dependent on rhythm section . Tribals and primordial music in particular evolved from the single rhythmic beat . Folk musicians all over the world appreciate the rhythm in every music they made it . Rhythm transcends boundaries , languages , creed and even beyond planet Earth ! We cannot see even a single musical composition that is created without a specific rhythm . The language of rhythm is understood involuntarily by every musician- as a means of communication in a riveting stage performance !
Rhythm cannot be perceived or fathomed- it needs to be experienced . From the swift teen taal of Tabla to an effervescent drum solo- rhythm is determined to set your soul on fire ! It is the ignited flame that brings passion to the musical composition . From the shortest taala ek taal ( eka taalam in Carnatic Music , 4 / 4 in western classical music ) , the taala can even go to the longest cycle beat ( Simhanandana Taalam- in Carnatic Music ).
While rhythm can be attributed to a mathematical calculation and it is true to certain extent , there is definitely something beyond the limited world of calculations . Rhythm brings up a different high , and a passionate rhythm player knows this fact quite well . Tugging the heartstrings of a listener through the various combinations and flairs of rhythmic instruments is indeed a rare art . As a music listener , one should not only listen to the artistic beauty of the rhythm but also about the multidimensional aspects of it . Though rhythm looks very simple in the first look , there are multitudes of layers to it .
Let us take a moment to appreciate all the rhythm players across the world who are making a difference and adding a dynamic to the musical compositions . As the monsoon sets by , take time to listen to a tabla solo by Zakir Hussain , or the fusion beats of Trilok Gurtu . One cannot forget the mridangam exponents such as Palghat Mani Iyer in this instance . Let the rhythm take your heart beat to a new level of passion and will for a lively moment !
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