Rageshree Music Institute Inc.

Book Announcement

Step-by-Step Development of Tabla Compositions from the Ground Up by Dr. Mrinal Pal

The book is the outcome of research over a period of more than twenty years. It shows how anyone can develop tabla compositions, step-by-step, by applying two basic principles and following simple logic, starting from practically nothing. The method is extremely efficient and elegant. It is easy... to understand and can be learned in a short time. It is not in conflict with anything taught by traditional methods.

The main features of the book are:

1. The inclusion of a basic description of the tabla and the theory of sound production.
2. Explanation and illustration of the principles used in developing the compositions.
3. Demonstration of expansions (vistar) of a given theme in the right way maintaining the integrity of the composition.
4. Demonstration of multiple interpretations of a given composition—how to create a completely different effect by rearranging a composition in a different rhythmic pattern
5. Examples of relas of all kinds and rhythmic structures—in straight rhythms (barabar), triplets (tisra), rhythms of five, seven, and nine.
6. Examples of laggis and peshkars.
7. Demonstration of the construction of compositions in various talas.
8. Demonstration of the development of various types of fixed compositions (bandishes).
9. An all encompassing theory of tihai.
10. Step-by-step development of more than two thousand compositions (from the very simple to the most complex, from the well known to the not-so-well-known