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Lesson 13: Lopha Tala
Lopha tala is a rhythmic cycle
found commonly in Bengali folk and classical music. Amongst devotees, this
rhythmic cycle is one of those that is used to
accompany songs, most popularly, Namamisvaram
Saccidananda Rupam (Sri Damodarastakam). It is a twelve matra cycle divided 3+3+2+2+2, though this has been
disputed. This is the reason why some musicologists may classify this as a prakar as Bengali ektal (Lesson
14).
Here is the theka:
|
X |
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
|
|
dhā |
ghe |
dhin |
tā |
ghe |
dhin |
|
|
0 |
|
3 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
|
|
tā |
|
ti |
tā |
ke |
ke |
ti |
This is a symmetrical tāla with some interesting points to take note of.
First, the only thing the dayan
side is doing is “tā PAUSE ghe.”
In addition, the baya bols
are not truly even. The first vibhag had all three of
its bols occupied with an open baya,
while the next vibhag has baya
bols on unlikely spots. The final three vibhags all lack resonant baya bols (i.e. Matra 11 with ke-ke).
While it looks easy,
it is somewhat challenging due to the unusual for the reasons just mentioned.
Practice this theka with kartals. Interestingly
enough, kartal players can accompany this tala without much difficulty, as opposed to any other tisra jati talas.
✇ AUDIO CLIP 13 – 1: Lofa
Tala with Kartals
UPDATED:
December 17, 2010