Ektaal 12 Beats Make The Most Beautiful Aad Layakari

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Table of Contents

Introduction To Ektaal :

Ektaal is one of the deepest and most popular taals in the structure of Indian classical music especially in the Hindustani classical compositions. It has a historical connection with vocal and instrumental music as well as in the various forms of dance including Kathak. It is probably one of the most diverse taals and its exact rhythmic cycle gives profundity and organization to the music.

Ektaal contains 12 beats and is separated into six divisions that are two beats in each. This taal has a balanced rhythm for different types of sound production, the right measure of closed and open sounds to make its structuring subtle and yet complex to the performers as well as to the dancers.

Ektaal 12 beats

Aad layakari in Ektaal :

Layakari means the change in rhythm and time cycle as related to the main beat or laya. Aad layakari specifically suggests a 1.5 One may add a times rhythmic pattern against the original beat, meaning that time changes are making it sound off-beat and more complex in that form of performance.

Ektaal aad layakari

Practical Applications :

  • Vocal Music: In Vocal music particularly in the khayal and dhrupad aad layakari is used in Ektaal to make the recital more challenging. This is a popular technique where singers try to discover various rhythmic variations of the fixed taal making their performance interesting.
  • Instrumental Music: For instrumentalists especially those who are involved in instrumental sections only in a musical piece such as in the songs that are played using sitar, sarod, or tabla, Aad layakari presents an opportunity to effectively and creatively improvise rhythms. The improvisation is useful in proving dominion of the chosen taal and layakari most of the time entailing intricate tihai formations.

Conclusion :

Ektaal which has twelve beats per cycle along with aad layakari can be considered to be quite versatile for rhythmic innovation In both vocal, instrumental, and dance this combination of structure and creativity depicts the delicate rhythms of Indian classical music.

Taal sign :

  • 'Sam'- is shown by an (x) cross
  • 'wave'- is shown by (0) zero
  • 'Clap'- is shown by its number

The notation of the taal is written according to the Bhath khande Swarlipi method.

Tempo: According to the temper of the music and the desire of the performer, this theka can be played at different speeds called layas which are Vilambit, Madhyam, Drut, Ati Drut, etc.

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