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Lesson 8: Sixteen Matra Tintal

 

Carrying off from the two larger methods discussed in Lesson 7, the rhythmic cycle shown at Lesson 7 is presented here formally. This rhythmic cycle is known as tintal. Tintal literally means “three claps.” (the reason why it’s called three claps is found in the Lesson E 2). This cycle is occasionally heard in classical bhajans and rarely in kirtans. However, this cycle is relatively simple that it serves as a bases on approaching more complex cycles. This is a common classical tala used in tabla. Some Bengali musicians will refer to this as “tritala.” “Tritala” is another similar sixteen matra tala, but it is not necessarily the same as tintal.

 

Structure-wise, tintal contains sixteen matras. The tala divisions are 4+4+4+4.

 

Here is the theka of tintal. Remember in Lesson 7, the theka has the tala numbers, matra numbers, and bols. Therefore, here is the official theka of tintal.

 

X				2				0				3
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16
dhā	dhin	dhin	dhā	dhā	dhin	dhin	dhā	dhā	ti	ti	tā	tā	dhin	dhin	dhā

 

This tala is considered to be a symmetrical tala. Symmetrical tala refers to talas that have identical halves on the dayan side only. They don’t necessarily have to perfectly symmetrical. The baya in one or the other half has to change somewhat. If it doesn’t, then it would be a four matra tala (repetition of “dha dhin dhin dha” without distinction of what matra number.)

 

This lesson will also gauge you on your ability to learn new things. Based on the bol and vibhag method shown in Lesson 7, you may use whichever one is the most helpful in your learning. You may also play along with the following clip.

 

✇AUDIO CLIP 8 – 1: Tintal Theka

 

KARTAL ACCOMPANIMENT:

As indicated with the elementary kirtana rhythm in Lesson 6, kartal use is the background of bhajans and kirtans. The typical kartal cycle fits very well here. (Remember, it’s a four beat cycle, NOT a three beat cycle!!!). See how the open (O) kartal sound falls at the start of each vibhag.

 

O = open C = closed

 

X				2				0				3
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16
dhā	dhin	dhin	dhā	dhā	dhin	dhin	dhā	dhā	ti	ti	tā	tā	dhin	dhin	dhā
O	-	C	C	O	-	C	C	O	-	C	C	O	-	C	C

 

✇AUDIO CLIP 8 – 2: Tintal with Kartals

 

ACCOMPANIMENT

 

Here is a practice loop of the well known chant, “om namo bhagavate vasudevaya” in Raga Malkauns. Play along with the clip and get an idea of the time and feel of this rhythmic cycle.

 

✇AUDIO CLIP 8 – 3: Tintal with Kartals

 

Once you feel comfortable with approaching tintal and playing it comfortably, you may proceed to the one of the most diverse rhythmic cycles in Lesson 9, through kaherva tala.

 

 

VIDEOS:

 

 VIDEO CLIP 8: Tintal

 

UPDATED: July 10, 2011