NEWAR MUSIC II: NAVABĀJĀ OF BHAKTAPUR, Thata for Dhācā

Thata is a drum composition of the navabājā repertoire of Bhaktapur, Nepal. It proceeds in two stages, introduction (similar to ālap) and main theme set in 7/4 time signature. Variations and syncopated patterns in combination with the sichyāḥ cymbals give a marvellous effect to this composition. By looking at its structure and use of bols (mnemonic rhythmic syllables), a close relationship with dāphā compositions (Newar devotional song genre dating back to 15th – 17th centuries) suggests itself. Among navabājā pieces, thata has become almost forgotten. The shawm melodies accompanying this piece in accordance with the different seasons are definitely lost. We are trying to revive these from earlier recordings and are planning another recording session including the shawm.
The two-headed dhācā drum is used only in the Bhaktapur navabājā ensemble. Dhācā is a smaller and lighter version of the processional drum dhā.
For more information about navabājā please check previous videos on this channel.

Musicians:
Gert Matthias Wegner: Sichyāh (cymbals)
Abhaya Krishna Shrestha: Dhācā (drum)

Text edited by Gert Matthias Wegner

Video shot by a mobile device and audio recorded from Zoom H4 recorder.

Special Thanks to Rubin Pradhan and Pritam Bahadur Shakya for editing video. Below is the link of their channel.
   / @meromazzakokaryalaya  

This production is dedicated to my elder brother Ajar Krishna Shrestha with greetings from Bhaktapur to Colorado.

Do like and subscribe for more videos in future.

Thank You ...

#navabajaofbhaktapur, #musicofnepal, #musicdiariesnepal