Thayambakam

Thayambakam is a type of solo chenda performance practiced in Kerala. The instruments employed are chendas and elathalams. It consists of an improvised performance on chenda accompanied by itantala or treble and valanthala or bass, chendas and ilatalam cymbals. Apart from playing improvisational and compositional elements the solo artist leads the other players, who have to support him in every respect. The constantly changing tempo makes this task very difficult for the accompanists. Like panchavadyam, Thayambakam is widely performed outside the temples. In a temple ritual context Thayambakam is performed at the annual festivals during the diparadhana or the sunset ritual, after the deity is brought out of the inner shrine. The performance, lasting between 60 and 90 minutes, is regarded as an offering to the goddess. Thayambakam connoisseurs assemble around the ensemble and watch every movement of the chenda players with critical distance. The artists of chendas use their palm and sticks for drumming. Thayambakam can be seen during festival days, especially when the temple deity is taken out in procession. Thayambakam is an orchestra of the native Chenda or drum. The rousing rhythm of this traditional orchestra is a singular feature of many temple festivals and rituals in Kerala. An interesting innovation in playing this percussion music was introduced by Sri.K.R. Parameswara Marar, popularly known as Keezhparambasan. The maestro uses a knife or Kathi which is as fine as a surgeon's knife instead of a mallet to create music. His music is popularly known by the term Kathi Thayambakam.

Related Topics
Music  
Sopanasangeetham  
Pancharimelam  
Pandimelam  
Panchavadyam