CANCELED: Raga and Tala: Exploring Hindustani Classical Music

Hindustani classical music is developed through two interwoven elements: raga and tala. Raga is the melodic element and is crafted by improvisation on fixed patterns of ascent and descent. Conversely, tala is the rhythmic structure on which the melody is laid. The beat cycle of a tala ranges from simple to intricate, depending on the needs of the melody; the most common tala is in 16 beats. Hindu philosophy provides a spiritual parallel through which the listener can experience the melding of raga-tala. Shiva, god of time, represents the stable rhythm of the tala, while Shakti, the goddess of creation, is the melodic dance over the rhythm. Through the play of Shiva and Shakti the universe is born and reborn across cosmic time. The blend of raga-tala represents this play. During the afternoon session, Abhik Mukherjee and Shankhachur Lahiri will demonstrate the versatility of these elements within the improvisational structure of Hindustani classical music. During the evening concert, they will perform evening ragas that, through the versatile structure of raga-tala, will encourage the audience to experience the range of emotions associated with that time of the day.

Abhik Mukherjee, sitar

Shankhachur Lahiri, tabla

1PM-2:30PM  Lecture-Demonstration

FedEx Global Education Center, Room 1005

Attendees are encouraged to bring their instruments to the lecture-demonstration.

6:30PM Concert

FedEx Global Education Center, Nelson Mandela Auditorium