Thayambaka

Tayambaka is a type of solo chenda performance practiced in Kerala, India. It consists of an improvised performance on chenda accompanied by itantala (treble) and valanthala (bass) chendas and ilatalam cymbals. Apart from playing improvisational and compositional elements the solo artist leads the other players, who have to support him in every respect. The constantly changing tempo makes this task very difficult for the accompanists.

Like panchavadyam, tayambaka is widely performed outside the temples. In a kshetram ritual context tayambaka is performed at the annual festivals during the diparadhana sunset ritual, after the deity is brought out of the inner shrine. The performance, lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, is regarded as an offering to the goddess. Tayambaka connoisseurs are assembled around the ensemble and watch every movement of the chenda players with critical distance.

See also

• Kuzhal Pattu
• Maddalam and Chenda Keli
• Pandi Melam
• Panchari melam
• Panchavadyam

References

• Killius, Rolf. Ritual Music and Hindu Rituals of Kerala. New Delhi: BR Rhythms, 2006. ISBN 81-88827-07-X (with author's permission).

Notes

External links

• Melam Collections

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia © 2001-2006 Wikipedia contributors (Disclaimer)
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Last updated on Thursday December 06, 2007 at 13:35:12 PST (GMT -0800)
View this article at Wikipedia.org - Edit this article at Wikipedia.org - Donate to the Wikimedia Foundation