The tabla is a traditional Indian instrument composed of two drums of different sizes, the smaller giving a treble sound, the larger a bass. It’s usually played to accompany another instrument such as a harmonium or a sarangi, which contributes a drone to counter the tabla’s staccato. It’s the chief percussion in Hindustani music; Hindu tradition tells us that Shiva gave the instrument its first notes.
In March, Global Arts Live presented a livestream performance of Zakir Hussain, grand master of the tabla, playing from his living room. Mr.
Hussain explained the four movements of a tabla piece. “It’s almost like the rhythm of a train,” he told us. “You hear the coaches.”
As in any good solo instrumental, Mr. Hussain began the concert with a restrained sound and added “spontaneous variations and combinations” (his words) to develop an extraordinary complexity of percussion, with contrapuntal threads of sound weaving around one another. Even at the music’s most complex, every beat was clear.
The sound was remarkable in its diversity and sophistication. Hitting the edge of the tabla, Mr. Hussain produced a tone so high and delicate that it seemed to come from a string. Sometimes he produced a burring sound or a clicking sound, and sometimes he sang in a sort of Hindustani vocalese. At times while he was singing he played the tabla lightly and delicately, in marked contrast to the robust sound he usually produced.
More than 2,000 people enjoyed the concert. Judging by the names on the chat, many were Indian, and their chat comments helped me to receive the music. I missed the drone of the harmonium coupled with this percussion, but still — what a demonstration this was of the heights percussion can reach!
More about Zakir Hussain
Author: Steve Capra
