Skip to content

Advanced Theory of Tabla

This book continues where Fundamentals of Tabla left off. It is the second volume of the series The Complete Reference For Tabla. (Volume 3-Manufacture and Repair of Tabla, and Volume 4 – Focus on the Kaidas of Tabla, are also available. ) It is 302 pages, available in both paperback as well as hardbound.

The book presumes that the reader is completely conversant with the technique of tabla. Therefore, it deals with advanced concepts of compositional theory, without going over the basics. But it also goes into a wide spectrum of topics which are of interest to both the student as well as the seasoned professional.

The topics covered are diverse. Aside from compositional theory, the book discusses physics, acoustics, psychoacoustics, the recording of tabla, and a variety of subjects dealing with stagecraft.

This book does not require the reader to have a strong technical background. Whenever the topics are beyond what a typical reader may have been exposed to, one finds a lot of “hand holding “. The arcane technical areas are introduced and covered in a simple and non-threatening fashion.

Prefacevii
Chapter 1Introduction1
Chapter 2Timbre9
Chapter 3Timekeeping35
Chapter 4Lay (Tempo)49
Chapter 5Dynamics57
Chapter 6Layakari and Counter Rhythms63
 Chapter 7Ancient and Obsolete Theory71
Chapter 8Introduction to Compositional Theory81
Chapter 9Compositional Theory (Cyclic Forms)87
Chapter 10Compositional Theory (Cadential Forms)127
Chapter 11Improvisation153
Chapter 12Physics of the Tabla161
Chapter 13Acoustic Fields and Microphones177
Chapter 14Sound Reinforcement191
Chapter 15Recording209
Chapter 16Lighting223
Chapter 17Stagecraft231
 Chapter 18Conclusion247
Appendix 1Lahara251
Appendix 2The Strokes277
Appendix 3Mitra’s Lahara Peti285
Appendix 4Courtney System289
Index293
Other Books299

Purchasing

This is available around the world. Check your local Amazon.