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Books and Videos from Digitala Digitala is proud to present books and recordings of tabla and pakhawaj, the hand drums of North India (and some interesting surprises!). Thanks to the Indian technique of reciting drum stroke names, anyone can learn the compositions in these books, even without learning how to play tabla. In each book the compositions introduce elements of Indian rhythmic structure and improvisation which are also applicable to western music and dance. For the serious student of the instrument, the books devoted to drumming technique feature finger placement diagrams and photographs of the artists' own hands. |
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Theory and Practice of Tabla by
One of India's most respected tabla players offers his insights into his art with this new text, published in 2005. Sadanandji's most outstanding contribution here is his extensive presentation of tabla theory. Some of the chapters are "The Evolution of Rhythmic Instruments", "The Genesis of Tabla", "Riyaaz", "Terminology", and biographies of great tabla and pakhawaj players. Also included are compositions from the tradition of his late guru, Pt. Taranath Rao, to whom the book is dedicated. In his foreword to the book, Zakir Hussain writes that the oral tradition of tabla as passed down through the generations led to "many interpretations of the repertoire, creating confusion amongst the students. It is this confusion that Sadanand Naimpalli has very ably addressed in this book." Theory and Practice of Tabla by Pt. Sadanand Naimpalli .... $24.95 |
Now
available from Digitala!
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In recognition of her recent tour of the USA (managed by DIGITALA!) Dr. Prabha Atre is making her most recent book, Enlightening the Listener: Contemporary North Indian Classical Vocal Music Performance (including audio cassette) available from DIGITALA at a special price, $5.00 below Amazon.com and other US retailers. This is a wonderful book for tabla players who accompany classical Indian vocalists to broaden their understanding of vocal musical theory and practice. Here is also a new opportunity for general readers to glimpse behind the scenes and learn from one of India's foremost musical artistes and scholars how vocalists pursue their raga development. The accompanying cassette provides an orderly and succinct presentation of the major forms and ornamentations in classical North Indian vocal presentation, as well as some examples from some of Prabhaji's previous recordings. Be sure to read Dr. Atre's surprising opinions of the benefits that sound amplification and Indian film music have brought tåo classical vocal performance. For an extensive review of Enlightening the Listener as featured in India Currents magazine, click here. Padmabhushan Prabha Atre's Enlightening the Listener: Contemporary North Indian Classical Vocal Music Performance (including audio cassette) ....$24.95 |
Enlightening the Listener by
Learning Tabla with Alla Rakha: Book and Video Edition The Book is a step-by-step introduction to a single tabla solo in the Punjab style, as taught by the great maestro best known for his many concert tours and recordings with Ravi Shankar. The book features an in-depth analysis of the logic behind the theme and variations forms and the fixed compositions. The Videotape: Fourteen years after the original publication of Learning Tabla with Alla Rakha, the accompanying videotape is now available. In Part 1, Harihar Rao narrates as Alla Rakha carefully demonstrates each stroke, phrase and theme from the book. In Part II, as Alla Rakha recites each composition to melodic accompaniment, a "karaoke"-like animation shows the unfolding structure of the composition and the current count of the rhythmic cycle. Finally, with the camera tight on his hands, Alla Rakha plays each composition. "A wealth of knowledge... an inspiration" Learning Tabla with Alla Rakha: Book and Video edition. (NTSC [American] format video) .... $52.95 (PAL [European] format video) .... $57.95 |
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The book is the same as in the video edition. The Audio-Cassette: On Side One, Alla Rakha demonstrates the same material as on the videotape. On Side Two, practice leharas have been recorded. These are repeating melodies of one cycle in length which are helpful in practicing the compositions. |
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Aban Mistry's Pakhawaj & Tabla: History, Schools and Traditions....$49.95 |
Pakhawaj
and Tabla: History, Schools and Traditions is Dr.Aban Mistry's
definitive book on the history and development of pakhawaj and tabla.
The expanded English edition was published in 1999 and has been generally
unavailable outside India until now. This is a comprehensive treatment
of the subject, spanning over 350 pages. The book features biographies
of the gharana founders and famous members. Also of interest are the
genealogies (teacher-student progressions) of the gharanas, many of
which are shown on fold-out pages. You can find the direct predecessors
of many of today's best known tabla players here. Dr. Mistry has also
provided several typical compositions of each gharana, shown in Roman
characters with western music notation, and also in Devanagri script
with Bhatkhande notation
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Benefit Video: Ustad Nizamuddin Khan: Tabla Solo in
Tintal The date is January 13, 1985. The place is the ninth
Ahmedjan Thirakwa Poonyathithi (Death Anniversary) in Dombivli (Bombay)
India. After receiving the traditional garland and shawl from Padma Shree
Gajananrao Joshi, Nizamuddin Khan plays a solo lasting nearly 1 1/2 hours.
Approximately halfway through the performance, his son Kamaluddin joins
him on stage to prompt his father with enthusiastic recitations of
traditional compositions. Together they explore the panorama of peshkars,
kaidas, tukras, and gats of the tabla repertoire, much to the delight of
the knowledgeable audience. All Digitala profits from the sale of this videotape go to
the late Ustad's family. Nizamuddin Khan: Tabla Solo in Tintal (video)
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Coming soon: The Tabla Legacy of Taranath Rao, Second Edition
Watch this spot for further information on the release of the second edition of Legacy. |
The
Tabla Legacy of Taranath Rao is a compreshensive overview of
the art of tabla, adopted from the manuscript of the longtime performer
and teacher in India and at the California Institute of the Arts. After
a series of beginner's exercises come literally hundreds of compositions
in the Faroukhabad, Ajrada, Delhi and Benaras styles in numerous rhythic
cycles.