Not that everything has to have a reason but i was just wondering what are the various reasons that people here enjoy tabla. i know why i enjoy it but am wondering what interests you about tabla? musically or spiritually.
My reasons are more mathemathical than spiritual, although tabla is soul-soothing. But quite frankly, have u ever heard anything more impressive musically? I wanna play tabla cuz tabla kick ass!
If you are familiar with drum solos in general, you will realize that the art of Indian Tabla Solo has taken the form to a new level. There are different movements in a tabla solo (i.e. Peshkar, Kaida, Gat (etc), rela). These movements have their own rules or ways of presentation. I dont think any other culture really has a drum solo with such a repertoire. What makes tabla really unique is the language associated with it. This really broke ground for Indian Drumming. Also, The compositions explore and tweak rhythm while still maintaining the integrity of the overall rythmic cycle. Hope this helps
I'm only a beginner at tabla, but i love it already. I think that my desire to play tabla has stemmed from me playing drums already for 6 years, and wanting to increase my capabilities. Tabla seemed a natural decision as it is quite different to drumkit, but still classed as a drum. I also love the sound of tabla, and wanted to develop my hand skills.
When I sit down to play tabla, I realise my mind is neither in the past nor in the future - it is in the NOW and this give me a certain bliss I rarely experience otherwise. It is almost spiritual.
In my commute home from work the anticipation of practice gives me a certain joy which I would rarely get from any other activity;
Being a beginner, I am so much in awe when stalwarts like Swapan Chaudhary, after playing forty years says that although he practices everyday there is still so much to learn!! This thought works humbling wonders in my moments of pride, whether in a tabla playing context or out.
I am never bored practicing the same simple kayda over and over again and it gives me pleasure no end to notice even the minutest improvements.
All aspects of Indian life, including dance and music, attempt to find expression in the the Ultimate Reality and in doing so the seeker finds unparallel happiness in the journey.
