Kaida Rela 16 - Marching Tenor Drums

"Kaida Rela" is a type of composition unique to the Lucknow Gharana of North Indian Tabla. It is part of a traditional tabla solo during the storytelling section. It is played after Kaida and before Rela. The theme will typically be composed of bols from both categories, mixing heavier, slower, and more rhythmically open kaida bols with lighter rela bols built for speed.

This is a free theme for you to practice and memorize. The better your knowledge of the theme, the easier it is to learn the variations. Please consider purchasing my variation trees for developing appropriate improvisational grammar and aesthetics to maintain the character and integrity of each composition. I've spent hours on each theme and variation tree to make sure all the bugs/kinks of translating traditional tabla repertoire to marching tenor drums have been solved so you don't have to.

Suggested guidelines for improvisation.

- Create variations in a logical, emergent, storytelling fashion

- Only use phrases present in the theme for the creation of variations. 

- Signal the end of your storytelling with a tihai or other appropriate method for the creation of tension of release

- Observe playing this composition too fast and its loss of beauty and groove. Play this composition in a medium to medium-fast speed. 

- Always be able to recite clearly what you are playing. Clarity of sound and conscious focus is essential for a clear and readable story.

- Improvise dynamics and create drama with the progression of your variations. 

- This is long-form story telling. Don't peak the story too soon. Be patient.

- Purchase and memorize my variation trees for development of recitation and storytelling skills appropriate to the composition.