Music & Time

Numerical Base / Timing

Meter

Length

Musical Excerpt

Part 1:  Gratitude of a North American

Based on the number 16

in 4/4

11:05

Part 1 - Ending

Part 2:  Double Chakra

Based on the number 14

in 7/4

8:06

 Part 2 - Ending

Part 3:  Zodiac Inversion

Based on the number 12

in 3/4 and 6/8

6:17

 Part 3 - Beginning

Part 4:  Compassionate Hand

Based on the number 10

in 5/4

6:48

 Part 4 - Middle

Part 5:  Communion

Based on the numbers 8,6,4,3,2 and 1

evolves from 4/4 to 3/4 to 2/4

8:45

 Part 5 - Beginning

Excerpt from Booklet:

"Notes about the piece:

"Tala" is the term used in Indian classical music to describe time and rhythm.  "Malika" means chain or garland.  There is a light North Indian classical form known as "ragamalika", or garland of ragas, in which the soloist strings together a sequence of different ragas, instead of adhering to just one for the entire form of the work.  this suite consists of a chain of talas, hence the title "Talamalika".  Besides it has a nice ring.  The syllables used here by the drummer's vocal sections are based on and inspired by the rhythmic solfedge systems of India, known as "bols" in the North, and "solkattu" in the South.  The particular patterns and syllables heard here are composed by Tigger Benford.

The foundation of the piece is the sequence of numerical bases listed with the pieces.  Instrumentation for each piece was developed by the drumming group.  All of the drumming recorded here was played at the same time in the same room.  the vocal material is improvised, and sometimes, harmonies were developed by the singers to enhance melodies composed by Tigger Benford."

Todd Isler, Tigger Benford, Martha Partridge

 
Tigger Benford is a percussionist, composer and improviser specializing in hand drumming and music for modern dance classes.  He is on the faculty at Rutgers University.