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Introduction to Ikwai Taal:
Ikwai Taal 'Ikwai Taal' is a sophisticated beat pattern in Indian classical music, it structurally resembles many familiar taals like Teentaal and Sitarkhani yet it is different and distinct in its way and usage.
Structure of Ikwai Taal:
Ikwai taal’ has 16 beats. It has 4 sections and each section has 4 beats or matra. This rhythm has a total of three ‘claps’ on the first, fifth, and thirteen beats and one ‘Khali’ on the ninth beats. It is noteworthy, that the first beat of the rhythm is called ‘sam’.
| Taal/Theka | : | Ikwai Taal |
|---|---|---|
| Beats | : | 16 |
| Division | : | 16 (4|4|4|4) |
| Clap | : | 3 (On 1st, 5th, 13th beats) |
| Sam (x) | : | 1 (On 1st beat) |
| Wave | : | 1 (On 9th beat) |
| Tempo | : | Medium |
Ikwai Taal 16 beats:
Usage of Ikwai Taal:
It is further noticeable that Ikwai Taal is most commonly employed in dhrupad, which is a genre ofinged tones classified for serious and devotional purpose. Due to the slow and gradual unfolding of the ragas, the taal complements this genre in its execution. It can also be seen in other genres of shastriya sangeet, instrumental music and semi shastriya kathak where complex rhythmical footwork are in concord with taal.
Conclusion:
Ikwai Taal provides a rhythmic design that makes it enriches the interpretations of classical pieces. Learning this taal, not only enhances the feeling of rhythm but also adds to the general performance ability making it a key area in tabla performance
Taal Sign :
- 'Sam' is shown by an (x)
- 'Wave' is shown by (0)
- 'Clap' is shown by its number
The notation of the taal follows the Bhatkhande Swarlipi method.
Tempo: Ikwai Taal is usually performed in a medium tempo.
Read also: Kawali theka 8 beats
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