It was an honor to render a Tabla Solo in Rupak Taal (7 beats) in front of Guruji, Pandit Nakul Mishraji, on 19th Dec 2009. While there are shortcomings in the recital, solely attributable to me, it was a wonderful learning experience! Here are some excerpts....
About Rupak:
Rupak is a popular taal played on the Tabla. It comprises of 7 beats divided into sections (vibhags) of 3-2-2. It is widely played in Solo recitals. Many compositions (Gats) played on classical instruments (like santoor, sarod, sitar, guitar, flute)are set in Rupak taal. The taal is also popularly played in Gazals and film songs. The counterpart of Rupak in Pakhwaj is taal Tivra set in 7 beats,but which is much bolder and lounder than Rupak.
Rupak is a unique taal in a sense that the first beat of the taal is a Khali (wave of the hand),and not a Clap. Rupak consists of two talis (claps), on the 4th and the 6th beats respectively. The taal goes like this:
Tin Tin Na| Dhi Na|Dhi Na
Rupak Peshkar Qaida
Rupak Compositions
Rupak finale
