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Table of Contents
Introduction :
Priyachanda Taal is a seven-beat rhythmic cycle said to have been composed by the reputed Bengali personality, poet, singer, and revolutionary Kazi Nazrul Islam. Among his contributions to music are new taal that he composed, including Pryachanda Taal. This taal is quite important for having a unique rhythm and being usable in all various forms of songs, but more importantly, in songs of Nazrul.
Historical Context :
Thus the so-called 'Rebel Poet' Kazi Nazrul Islam brought a drastic change in the musical monochrome map of Bengal to the musical skyline. He composed more than 4000 songs, which fused various forms of music ranging from the Hindustani classical to folk and regional Bengali. Among the several he has designed, Pryachanda Taal is one of them and thereby a brilliant work on poetry and music.
Structure Priyachanda Taal :
The Tala of Pryachanda Taal is a 7-beat cycle, meaning it is rare to find and not used as often in classical music as you would find Teora (7 beats), Rupak (7 beats), or Kaharwa (8 beats) Taals. The 7 beats of Pryachanda are broken down into 3 parts as follows:
| Taal/Theka | : | Priya chanda |
|---|---|---|
| Beats | : | 7 |
| Division | : | 3 (2|3|2) |
| Clap | : | 3 (On 1st, 3rd, 6th beats) |
| Sam (x) | : | 1 (On 1st beat) |
| Wave | : | nil |
| Tempo | : | Medium |
Theka of Pryachanda Taal :
The theka or the basic structure of the taal is also fast and dynamic. While it may vary slightly depending on the composition, the general theka of Pryachanda Taal is as follows:
Priyachanda taal 7 beats
Use in Nazrul Sangeet :
His compositions, Nazrul Geeti, incorporate all forms of feelings and topics such as love, loyalty, nationalistic passion, and social concerns. Pryachanda Taal gives a splendid pulse to some of his more vigorous and impassioned pieces, especially where the message of 'call to action' or rebelliousness is depicted in an orchestra. There is freedom for expression in this cycle, thus appropriate for different musical feelings.
Conclusion :
That is why the creation of Priyachanda Taal by Kazi Nazrul Islam makes a new rhythmic cycle for Indian classical music. This seven-beat taal takes its inspirational root from the rebellion and innovations of Nazrul; the seven-beat is, therefore, crucial for the musician who wants to study less frequently used talas.
Taal Sign Explanation:
The symbols used in Taal notation are important for understanding the rhythm's structure. Here's what they represent:
- 'Sam' is shown by an (x) cross.
- 'Wave' is shown by a (0) zero.
- 'Clap' is shown by its corresponding number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.).
- 'Pause' is shown by (S)
- 'Divisions' is shown by(I) Bar
The notation of the taal is written according to the Bhath khande Swarlipi method.
Read more: Mondakini Chanda Taal 16 Beats
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