Why the Rhythm Still Holds and Haunts us !
On the Enduring Spell of the Tabla and the Renewed Recognition of the Pakhawaj Shree Swapnil Bhise Shree Shubham Ugale There is a certain moment in every classical concert when the listener settles. It may come early or late, but when it arrives, the body relaxes into the music. Breathing slows, attention sharpens, and the mind stops wandering. More often than not, this moment is ushered in by rhythm. Indian classical music has never treated rhythm as secondary. Long before melody unfolds fully, rhythm establishes trust. It tells the listener where they are, how long they must stay, and what kind of journey lies ahead. Two instruments have carried this responsibility across centuries in distinct yet deeply connected ways. The tabla, w...