Terpene

A Theka (IAST: Ṭhekā) literally means "support, prop".[1] The term also refers to a musical composition in classical Indian music for percussion instruments that establish a rhythm (Chanda), beats (Matras) and the metric cycle of beats (Tala) in a performance.[1] An example is the theka of Dadra Tal: "Dha Dhi Na / Na Ti Na".

A theka is the basic rhythmic phrase of a particular tala.[2] It is the underlying repeated pattern that shapes the time cycle of a musical expression.[3] Theka is a term used by the drummers such as the tabla players.[4][5][6]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Caudhurī 2000, p. 151.
  2. ^ Te Nijenhuis 1974, pp. 60, 92.
  3. ^ Kayal, Encyclopædia Britannica, Quote: "The rhythm of the melodic performance is nonmetric, but the percussion accompaniment is cast in a tala, and the time cycle is shaped by the repeated pattern (theka) performed by the accompanist."
  4. ^ Randel 2003, p. 878.
  5. ^ Jairazbhoy 1995, p. 30.
  6. ^ Nettl et al. 1998, p. 124.

Bibliography

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