Thayambaka...

Out of Syllabus 7
 It’s a form of art played with different types of Chenda (Drums) and Ilathalam (An instrument which produces a metallic sound). It’s one of the traditional art performed in the temples of Kerala especially during the Ultsavam (Fest). Usually Thayambaka consists of following elements

•    3 Edamthala Chendas

•    1 or 2 Valamthala Chenda

•    1 or 2 Ilathalam

There is also another form called Iratta thayambaka which usually have double the above instruments. Chenda is usually known as Asura vadhyam (Demons drum) due to its loudness. The mixture of these instruments produces a wonderful atmosphere of music. Actually for me hearing a Thayambaka brings a satisfaction of hearing a Metal Song plus something extra which only Thayambaka can provide. That is why I am comparing Thayambaka with a Metal band. Ya I use this post for a comparison between A Metal band and Thayambaka.

Metal band usually consists of following elements

•    A Main guitar

•    2 or 3 Rhythm guitar

•    1 or 2 Base Guitar

•    Drum set

If you look carefully we can understand there are many similarities between them

•    The main guitar provides most of the music and sound. It is the lead of the band. Same way in Thayambaka, 1 edamthala act as a lead role and produces much of the music. The variations in both these instrument is the true music generated.

•    Rhythm guitar has got the duty of providing Rhythm and support to the main guitar. The same way rest of the edamthalas provide rhythm and support to the Leading edamthala.

•    Base guitar is usually used for producing the high bass sounds. Similarly valamthalas are used to produce high bass sound and to control the band especially the tempo.

•    The ilathalam provides the metallic sound which gives it that demonish feel, same as the metal in a drumset.

From this what I understood is that whatever be the band type, Eastern or western, Metal or Rock, all forms of music had got certain bases which are same everywhere…….

watch it here