It was a child’s birthday party. 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 meet each other.
A snapshot of the song ‘Chaiyan Chhaya’ from the movie ‘Dil Se’ (1998).
The plan worked until the sound of Shahrukh Khan serenading Malaika Arora With the song Shadow Shadow Cut off the adult hubs. The mothers, most of whom did not speak Hindi, turned into screaming and dancing teenage girls on the family room carpet.
What is it about this song, even when we don’t understand the words, that moves everyone, young and old, into such a state of joy? This is rhythm – in this instance, a continuous, repetitive and simple beat shadow shadow
The word rhythm comes from the Greek word. RhythmWhich means regular repetitive motion. Every day, possibly every hour of our lives, is full of rhythm, starting with our heartbeat. From early morning jogging to clapping at an evening concert, rhythm is always there. Rhythm is more than a musical concept. It is an intrinsic part of human life – whether we are engaged in a solitary activity or in a group task.
“Let’s find one. Thalam as a nation,” says the musician. AR Rahman at the movies Thalam – Rhythm of the nation. The documentary features men from diverse backgrounds who come together as a team to compete in Kerala’s chandanvelam (beak boat) race. We see how rhythm acts as a unifying force as the riders move in unison and the majestic scenery of God’s own country illustrates the message. Like clapping a Qawwali or a Hymn Concerts, rhyming letters and lines help rowers keep time.
Songs of the Earth
Traveling across India, we see villagers strumming with songs that have a sense of rhythm. It enables group activity and plays an important role in helping people work as one. Washermen washing clothes, women pounding rice, fishermen going sailing, all use rhythm to maintain harmony, whether it is just two people or 20. Next time you travel, see how workers pump water in a salt flat in some Gujarat region, or how Jhumor dancers in Assam move to the beat of drums.
Rhythm pervades not only our days but our lives as seen in traditions that mark both personal and public milestones. Whether it’s the birth of a baby, a wedding, a winter harvest and a summer solstice or a funeral, every major event has its own unique celebrations. Rhythm underlies them all. From the dynamic Bhangra beats of Punjab, the graceful Ghomur of Rajasthan, the vibrant Koliacha of the Konkan coast, to the simple Kumi of Tamil Nadu, to the fast-paced Chira of Mizoram, rhythm moves 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 Timbuk Refers to the polyrhythmic music associated with the pounding of rice in Indonesian fields. The Japanese celebrate the New Year with it. Mochitsuki, a traditional ceremony that involves making rice cakes. Festive Balinese gatherings feature the Gamelan Jigog, a rhythmic production with many bamboo instruments.
When West African tribes were forced to live in captivity, Yoruba bata drums were used to convey messages to each other. | Photo credit: WikiCommons
And in addition to celebrations and festivals, it is an important means of preserving cultures that would otherwise have been lost. When West African tribes were forced to live in captivity, Yoruba bata drums were used to convey messages to each other. Their interlocking rhythms were a multi-rhythmic and conversational response. Reminiscent of such drums Nagada (kettle drum) are used to make announcements in India and are part of traditional turn or ensemble of nine instruments used during festivals.
A reason to stay fit
A friend who runs every morning listening to the film’s song says, “The pulse of ‘Zadi Dil’ gives me the momentum to keep going when I feel the first signs of fatigue.” my com. A strong beat not only motivates people to move, but also makes them want to stay fit.
In synchronized swimming, rhythm not only acts as a timekeeper but also beautifies the movements of the athletes. | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStock
Whether training for a marathon, working out at the gym, or participating in a Zumba class, the beat gives us an adrenaline rush. According to an article in Scientific American, who exercise believes that “music is not superfluous – it is essential for high performance and satisfying exercise”. It’s not hard to understand why we like to listen to Beyonce or Dailer Mehndi while working out. Synchronized swimming and gymnastics are at the other end of the spectrum, where rhythm not only acts as a timekeeper but also embellishes the athletes’ movements.
Rhythm in Indian classical music is called language or gold. A simple beat like 4/4, known as a common time signature, can be followed intuitively. However, recognizing more complex beats requires deliberate listening. In a Hindi film Blessings” Train train Chuck Chuck Chak, Better Station Bowlin Rick RickActor Ashok Kumar sings to children in a park. And somewhere in between all the rhymes and puzzles, these little guys discover the joy of rhythm.
For classically trained musicians, recognizing rhythm becomes second nature. | Photo credit: Getty Images
We all have our favorite songs that we heard from family and friends growing up. What makes many of these songs so special is the ease with which we can clap along as we sing, individually or in a group. Rhythm enters our subconscious from a very young age.
For classical musicians who have trained for years, it becomes natural to recognize rhythm when they hear a song. What about those who are not formally trained in music?
One of the best ways to recognize rhythm is to listen to the sounds around us. “The tapping of a security guard’s stick as he walks around at night, the screeching sound of car wipers on a rainy day, and water dripping from a dripping faucet,” are some examples my students cite of rhythm in our daily lives.
Thus, it is the rhythm that makes the sound of temple bells ringing at night or the sound of crickets or waves lapping on the beach such a mesmerizing experience.
The author is a Carnatic singer and Associate Professor of Music at Ahmedabad University.
