Tāla in Carnatic Classical Music

Carnatic classical music from south India uses a collection of rhythmic structures called tālas.  Each tāla is cyclic and organizes time in a particular way, including the number of beats per cycle.  In this video, the performer’s hand gestures indicate the tāla. These same gestures could accompany any piece using this tāla. Compare also the hand gestures used in the American tradition of shape-note singing and this over-the-top classical conductor.


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2 responses to “Tāla in Carnatic Classical Music”

  1. […] the video “Tāla in Carnatic classical music.” Carnatic classical music from south India uses a collection of rhythmic […]

  2. […] even use gestures to indicate how time is organized.  We can see this in the videos of Carnatic music, American shape-note singing, and a Western orchestra.  What is being communicated with these gestures? Why is this […]