The child had a birthday celebration. I went to the party with my young daughters and was looking forward to meeting my friends. The birthday boy’s mom put on a DVD to keep the little ones busy and allow the adults to catch up with each other.
A snapshot from the song ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ from the film ‘Dil Se’ (1998).
the plan worked until the sound of Shahrukh Khan serenading Malaika Arora with lyrics Chaiya Chaiya Cut through the hubbub of the adults. The mothers, most of whom did not speak Hindi, turned into teenage girls screaming and dancing on the family room carpet.
What is it about a song, even when we don’t understand the words, that gets everyone, young and old, into such a state of euphoria? This is the rhythm – in this example, the continuous, repetitive and simple beat of Shadow shadow
The word rhythm comes from the Greek word Rhymes, which means a regular periodic motion. Every day, possibly every hour of our lives, is filled with rhythm, starting with the beat of our hearts. From taking a morning walk to clapping our hands at an evening concert, rhythm is always present. Rhythm is much more than a musical concept. It is an intrinsic part of human life – whether we are engaged in solitary activity or in some collective action.
“Let’s find a Thalam As a nation, ”says the musician AR Rahman In the movie Thalam – Rhythm of the Nation, The documentary shows men from different backgrounds who come together as a team to participate in Kerala’s chundan vallam (beak boat) race. We see how the rhythm works as a unifying force while the rowers move in sync and convey the stunning visual message of God’s Own Country. like clapping in Qawwaali or a Hymn Music programs, rhyming syllables and lines help sailors keep time.
songs of the earth
Traveling across India, we see villagers threshing grain with songs that have a sense of rhythm. It enables group activity and plays an important role in helping people act as one. Washermen wash clothes, women thresh rice, fishermen set out on voyages, all use a rhythm to maintain coordination, whether two or 20. Or how the chandelier dancers of Assam dance to the beats of the dhol.
Rhythm pervades not only our days but our lives, as seen in the traditions that mark milestones, both personal and public. Whether it is the birth of a child, a wedding, the winter harvest and summer solstice, or a funeral, each major event has its own unique celebration. Rhythm is the basis of all this. From the vibrant Bhangra beats of Punjab, the graceful Ghoomar of Rajasthan, the dynamic Kolyacha of the Konkan Coast, the simple Kummi of Tamil Nadu, to the fast-paced Cheraw of Mizoram, rhythms move the feet and the body in India.
And it doesn’t stop at our borders. All Asian cultures with enduring agricultural traditions have strong rhythmic music associated with them. Ma Tumbuk Refers to the polyrhythmic music associated with the harvesting of paddy in the fields of Indonesia. Japanese mark the new year mochitsuki, a traditional event involving the making of rice cakes. Festive Balinese gatherings feature gamelan jegog, a rhythm-filled production accompanied by several bamboo musical instruments.
When West African tribes were forced to live in captivity, the bata drum of the Yoruba was used to convey messages to each other. , Photo Credit: Wiki Commons
And beyond the festivities and celebrations, it is an important means of preserving cultures that would otherwise have been lost. When West African tribes were forced to live in captivity, the bata drum of the Yoruba was used to convey messages to each other. Their interlocking rhythm was polyrhythmic call and response, similar to a conversation. such drums remind drums (kettle drums) are used to make announcements in India and are part of the traditional Meridian or the nine-instrument ensemble used during the festival.
reason to be fit
A friend who runs every morning to listen to the film’s song says, “The beats of ‘Jiddi Dil’ give me the momentum to keep going even when I feel the first signs of fatigue.” Mary Kom, Fast beats not only motivate people to move, but they also create an urge to stay fit.
In synchronized swimming, cadence not only serves as a timekeeper but also embellishes the athletes’ movements. , Photo credit: Getty Images / iStock
Whether it is training for a marathon, working out at the gym, or attending a Zumba class, rhythm gives us an adrenaline rush. according to an article in scientific AmericanPeople who exercise believe that “music isn’t superfluous—it’s essential for peak performance and a satisfying workout”. It’s not hard to understand why we love listening to Beyoncé or Daler Mehndi while we exercise. Synchronized swimming and gymnastics are the other end of this spectrum, where rhythm not only serves as timekeeper but also embellishes the athletes’ movements.
In Indian classical music, rhythm is called rythm either Lock, A simple beat such as 4/4 can be followed effortlessly, referred to as the common time signature. However, recognizing more complex beats requires deliberate listening. in hindi film Blessings, train train train chuk chuk chuk,” sings actor Ashok Kumar to children in a park. And somewhere in between all the rhymes and riddles, these little ones discover the joy of rhythm.
Recognizing rhythm becomes effortless for classically trained musicians. , Photo Credit: Getty Images
We all have our favorite songs that we have heard from family and friends while growing up. What makes many of these songs special is that we can clap individually or in groups while singing. Rhythm is ingrained in our subconscious from a very early age.
For classical musicians who have trained for years, it becomes easy to recognize the rhythm when they hear a song. What about those who are not formally trained in music?
One of the best ways to identify rhythm is by listening to the sounds around you. “A’s harness watchmanThe sound of his walking stick when he turns around at night, the screeching sound of car wipers on a rainy day, and water dripping from a dripping tap,” are some of the examples my students cite of rhythms in our daily lives.
Thus, it is this rhythm that makes the sound of temple bells or a chorus of crickets at night or the sound of waves crashing on the beach such an enchanting experience.
The author is a Carnatic vocalist and Assistant Professor of Music, Ahmedabad University.