A Study of Struggle in Versatility in Tabla Performance

Tabla is the most versatile among percussion instruments today. The challenge that it meets till date is the recognition that Tabla has in terms of a Solo instrument. Although acclaimed worldwide for its versatility, yet the role of Tabla as a Solo instrument remains undefined at large. The tabla player today occupies a decent place on stage during accompaniment and exhibits the art, at times with his repertoire, especially when he accompanies to instrumental music. The rich repertoire of Tabla, which is learnt through life finds its expression only through solo performances, but this is confined only to the elite artists. There is no denial to the fact that Tabla is basically an accompanying instrument. Accompaniment is a beautiful art and every tabla artist should be an able accompanist. In fact, the art of accompaniment does need a better craftsmanship and a greater aesthetic sense than the art of tabla solo presentation. Given to these facts, the repertoire of tabla finds complete expression only during a solo performance. The collection of compositions of tabla from the masters of yesteryears is huge, and how many tabla players are able to put it across the listeners, even a meagre part of what they have learnt in the lineage? And the truth is that the Tabla is the primary accompanying instrument in North Indian classical, fusion and light music today. This is the struggle in its versatility. The music fraternity and the organizers need to ponder over this and improve their endeavors to promote Tabla more, as a solo instrument also

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