Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Theory and practice of long-form non-isochronous meters: The case of the North Indian rūpak tāl

Clayton, Martin

Theory and practice of long-form non-isochronous meters: The case of the North Indian rūpak tāl Thumbnail


Authors



Contributors

Hans Neuhoff
Editor

Rainer Polak
Editor

Abstract

Non-isochronous (NI) metres (cf. additive metres) have an importance to metrical theory that belies their relative rarity in the Western art music tradition, and need always to be considered in general theoretical discussions. This paper focuses on a particular form of NI metre, the North Indian rupak tal. Rupak tal is described as comprising 7 matras (‘beats’), divided 322. It has a distinctive drum pattern (theka) and clapping pattern, and its own distinctive ‘feel’ (however difficult it might be to characterise such a thing verbally). In classical performances, and particularly in khyal, which is the focus of this paper, rupak tal is played rather slowly: the matra extends up to about 2 secs in duration, creating a very long metrical cycle and necessitating subdivision of the nominal beat. The resulting structure therefore displays a level of complexity over and above that of 7-cycles played at faster tempi. This paper addresses some of the theoretical issues that this throws up, but also looks empirically at some recorded examples from concert performances, asking whether such an empirical investigation can shed further light on the theoretical issues.

Citation

Clayton, M. (2020). Theory and practice of long-form non-isochronous meters: The case of the North Indian rūpak tāl. Music theory online, 26(1), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.30535/mto.26.1.2

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 19, 2019
Online Publication Date Mar 31, 2020
Publication Date 2020-03
Deposit Date Feb 21, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Music theory online
Publisher Society for Music Theory
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 26
Issue 1
Article Number 2
DOI https://doi.org/10.30535/mto.26.1.2

Files




You might also like



Downloadable Citations