Listen: Two different tabla approaches to accompanying sarangi maestro Ram Narayan

In the last instalment of this column, we discussed how the nature of the tabla entry during an instrumental recital defined the manner in which the tabla player was listening to the preceding unaccompanied introductory aalaap.

There are times when the tabla players choose to enter in an almost imperceptible manner, carefully calibrating the volume to match that of the solo instrument and choosing vocabulary that would do justice to the spirit of the music. This calls for a sensitivity on the part of the tabla player that would take into account the nature and tone of the solo instrument as well as the musical material that is being explored by the soloist at the time.

Today, we will listen to two recordings that will demonstrate different approaches to establishing an entry by the tabla.

Both recordings feature the incomparable sarangi maestro Ram Narayan, who died on November 9 at the age of 97. Known for his immense contribution to the sarangi, in its avatar as an accompanying instrument to vocal music as well as an instrument for solo recitals, the maestro presents Gujari Todi, a raag prescribed for the morning, on the first recording. This is a concert recording from the Sarangi Mela, a festival dedicated to the sarangi...

Read more