Tabla-Tahmeel no. 1
Halim El-Dabh
About this work:
For percussion ensemble (3 or 6, 7, 9, 12, 14 players). Composed for an ensemble of (unspecified) percussion instruments from India (five different drums, and jingles), but can be interpreted by any percussion instruments that fit the specifications called for. This work was commissioned by The New York Percussion Trio and is published by C. F. Peters (no. 6196).
Year composed: 1965
Duration: 00:03:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Unknown
Instrumentation: 3 Percussion (General)
Instrumentation notes: Can be performed by 3 or 6, 7, 9, 12, or 14 players. Calls for five different drums: 1) high-drum with clear crystal-like tones, 2) deep-drum (with tones of magnitude), 3) high-drum (with muffled-strained tones), 4) medium-low-drum (with strained resonating overtones), and 5) medium-high-drum (with hard wooden quality). The directions state that 1) and 2) be played on tabla and bahya, that 3) and 4) be played by mrdanga, and that 5) be played on khanjeri or duff. Suggestions for alternative instrumentations are provided in the score, although it is stated that hand drumming techniques are to be used. The score is in standard notation but utilizes El-Dabh's scale of five markings for resonance and timbre.