A STUDY OF STRUGGLE IN VERSATILITY IN TABLA PERFORMANCE

Tabla is the most versatile among percussion instruments today. The challenge that it meets till date is its recognition in terms of a solo instrument. Although acclaimed worldwide for its versatility, yet the role of Tabla as a solo instrument remains undefined at large. The tabla player today occupies a decent place on stage during accompaniment and exhibits the art, at times with his repertoire, especially when he accompanies to instrumental music. The rich repertoire of Tabla, which is learnt through life, finds its complete expression through solo performances. However, this is confined only to the elite artists. There is no denial to the fact that Tabla is basically an accompanying instrument. Accompaniment is a beautiful art, and every Tabla artist should be an able accompanist. In fact, the art of accompaniment does need a better craftsmanship and a greater aesthetic sense than the art of tabla solo presentation. Given to these facts, I reiterate the fact that the repertoire of Tabla finds complete expression only during a solo performance. The collection of Tabla compositions from the masters of yesteryears is huge, but platforms available for showcasing the art are meagre. And the truth is that the Tabla is the principal accompanying instrument in North Indian classical, fusion, and light music today. This is the struggle in its versatility. The music fraternity and event /program organizers need to ponder over this and improve their endeavors to encourage and promote more and more Tabla solo presentations, while Tabla still remains an accompanying instrument.