Chanda And Its Uniqueness
As you all have read my uniqueness series about various world music genres I through this blog want to convey the uniqueness of percussion instruments and in particular Chanda a South Indian percussion instrument. Percussion instruments are considered as the backbone of any ensemble as it is a beat setter for any music. Through these instruments, we can add emotions to musical production. Percussion is not just a section in the ensemble but a foundation that keeps the music strong and impactful. Just good lyrics and tune do not make music but a rhythm indeed sculpts the best out of it.
Indian percussion instruments are very unique because of the history and the importance given to make and play the instrument. I feel this plays a very crucial role in creating the meditative space that I emphasize in my blogs. Tradition and devotion are the two important facts that determine the percussion instruments in India. Its a very organic and enchanting process to see and play the instrument. Heritage is what these instruments signify in India and becomes a moral responsibility to uphold the tradition to create that effect the instrument does.
Chanda a beautiful instrument that contributes heavily to Indian folklore and classical music has spell bounded everyone with its music and tone. I am proud to say that as a percussionist I know how to play this instrument. Chanda is an instrument made from wood and animal skin and undergoes a lot of preparation to find out the seasoned materials. Chanda is usually played in temples and folk dances as a form of entertainment as well as a religious practice. This instrument is mostly found in regions like Karnataka and Kerala which share a border in the South of India. Chanda is a very vibrant instrument because of the sound it produces and for the occasions, it is played. This instrument is also taught in a very old school method and is believed to be performed in a very traditional and authentic Indian manner.
Chanda is performed in melams which is a very authentic festive season in the temples of India as a ritual to the start the festival. This instrument is considered as a positive vibe creator and people love to hear it out when given a chance. The polyrhythms and the tempo mesmerize the audience and make them dance on their feet. Polyrhythms are complex rhythmic patterns that we come across in Indian music and it involves a lot of mathematical calculations so the players can complete a full cycle of beats. In Chanda hand movements and the right piece plays a very important role because this is one such Indian instrument that has special pieces performed for particular events with historical reasons. These reasons are formed because the Indian music feels that the right pattern of the rhythm cycle creates a powerful and impactful aura in the audience.
Overall as a percussionist, I feel Chanda unites the player with the audience and the connection is very pure and divine. Divine for me is the relationship we build durig the organic process of performance. This is what makes the music energizing and meditative.
