Taal System in Carnatic Music
Precision and Percussive Power
Concept: In Carnatic music, Taal is a more structured system with a fixed number of beats (matras) and prescribed patterns. Compositions strictly adhere to the chosen Taal, with minimal improvisation within the cycle. This focus on precision creates a sense of order and allows for intricate rhythmic interplay between the percussion instruments.
The Carnatic Taal system is made up of seven Suladi Talas/Taals, also called, Suladi Sapta Tala/Taal.
Suladi Sapta Tala/Taals
These seven Talas/Taals form the core rhythmic framework in Carnatic music compositions. Each Talas/Taal has its unique mathematical structure and accent pattern, which contributes to the beauty and complexity of Carnatic rhythmic compositions. Composers and performers utilize these Talas/Taals creatively to build rhythmic patterns and embellish the melodic aspects of the music.
Understanding and mastering these Talas/Taals are essential for Carnatic music professionals to excel in their rhythmic expressions and performances. Let’s delve into each of the seven Talas/Taals that comprise the Suladi Sapta Tala:
Dhruva Tala/Taal: Dhruva Tala/Taal is a 14-beat cycle, divided into four laghus (beats) of 4, 2, 4, and 4 aksharas (syllables) respectively. The notation for Dhruva Tala/Taal is represented as 4-2-4-4. By default, the Dhruva Taal is in Chaturasra Jaati, unless mentioned otherwise.
Matya Tala/Taal: Matya Tala/Taal is a 10-beat cycle, structured as three laghus of 4, 2 and 4 aksharas respectively. The notation for Matya Tala/Taal is 4-2-4. Like Dhruva Taal, Matya Taal is also in Chaturasra Jaati, unless mentioned otherwise.
Rupaka Tala/Taal: Rupaka Tala/Taal is a 6-beat cycle, consisting of two laghus of 2 and 4 aksharas. The notation for Rupaka Tala/Taal is 2-4. Like both the above Taals, namely Dhruva and Matya, Rupaka Taal is also in Chaturasra Jaati, unless mentioned otherwise.
Jhampa Tala/Taal: Jhampa Tala/Taal is a 10-beat cycle, formed by a laghu of 7 aksharas followed by a drutam (1+2 aksharas). The notation for Jhampa Tala/Taal is 7-1-2. Jhampa Taal is in Misra Jaati by default unless mentioned otherwise.
Triputa Tala/Taal: Triputa Tala/Taal is a 7-beat cycle, comprising a laghu of 3 aksharas and a drutam of 2 aksharas repeated twice. The notation for Triputa Tala/Taal is 3-2-2. Triputa Taal is in Tisra Jaati by default unless mentioned otherwise.
Ata Tala/Taal: Ata Tala/Taal is a 14-beat cycle, made up of a laghu of 5 aksharas twice, followed by a drutam of 2 aksharas twice. The notation for Ata Tala/Taal is 5-5-2-2-. Ata Taal is in Khanda Jaati, unless mentioned otherwise.
Eka Tala/Taal: Eka Tala/Taal is a 4-beat cycle, represented by a single laghu of 4 aksharas. The notation for Eka Tala/Taal is 4. Eka Taal is also in Chaturasra Jaati, unless mentioned otherwise.
Jatis:
The Talas/Taals are further categorized on the basis of five Jatis, each of which defines the number of beats (aksharas) within a specific unit called a laghu. Each Carnatic Tala/Taal references to at least one of the following five jatis.
Tisra: (3 Aksharas/Beats), Chaturasra: (4 Aksharas/Beats), Khanda: (5 Aksharas/Beats), Misra: (7 Aksharas/Beats), and Sankeerna: (9 Aksharas/Beats)
When Taals and Jatis combine to form variations, we get a total of 35 Talas/Taals of Carnatic music, each having a length varying from 3 till 29 aksharas.
Gathis:
In Carnatic music systen, the 35 talas or taals can be categorized based on five gathis (speed), also known as nadais, with 3, 4, 5, 7, or 9 matras.
With all the possible combinations of Talas/Taals, jatis, and gathis, we get a total of 175 Talas/Taals in Carnatic music. This is why we need to take into consideration the three portions, which are the Tala/Taal, the Jati, and the Gati, while describing a Tala/Taalm in Carnatic Music.
Angas:
Carnatic Talas/Taals are built upon three symbolic elements called Angas:
Anudhrutam (U): One beat represented by a downward stroke with the palm facing down, Drutam (D): Two beats represented by two hand movements, and Laghu (L): The variable element based on the Jati, represented by a horizontal hand movement.
Korvai:
Carnatic music features a unique concept called Korvai, which refers to rhythmic interplay between the percussion instruments, particularly the Mridangam. While the composition adheres to the Taal, the percussionists engage in a conversation through complex rhythmic patterns within the cycle, adding excitement and depth to the performance.
Example: In a composition in Adi Taal (8 beats), the Theka might be played as “Tha ka Dhi mi – Ri na – Dha na” (the mnemonic syllables used for beats). The percussionists, however, might weave intricate Korvais within this structure, creating a captivating display of rhythmic virtuosity.
Importance and Applications:
Foundation for Learning: The Suladi Sapta Tala/Taal serve as the foundation for learning rhythmic patterns in Carnatic music. Exercises called Sapta Tala/Taal Alankars train musicians in internalizing these complex structures.
Composition: A vast majority of Carnatic compositions adhere to the Suladi Sapta Tala/Taal system. Understanding these Talas/Taals allows musicians to interpret and perform the music accurately.
Improvisation: Talas/Taals provide the framework for rhythmic improvisations in Carnatic music traditions like Mridangam playing.
By understanding and mastering the Suladi Sapta Talas/Taals, you unlock a profound understanding of the rhythmic intricacies that make Carnatic music so captivating.