Matra (music)
Encyclopedia
In Indian classical music
, a matra is a beat. It is one of the three levels of structure for tala
along with vibhag
s and avartan. The significance of beats depends on their occurrence in a cycle. However, the value of the beats may be stretched or contracted depending on various factors.
Indian classical music
The origins of Indian classical music can be found in the Vedas, which are the oldest scriptures in the Hindu tradition. Indian classical music has also been significantly influenced by, or syncretised with, Indian folk music and Persian music. The Samaveda, one of the four Vedas, describes music...
, a matra is a beat. It is one of the three levels of structure for tala
Tala (music)
Tāla, Taal or Tal is the term used in Indian classical music for the rhythmic pattern of any composition and for the entire subject of rhythm, roughly corresponding to metre in Western music, though closer conceptual equivalents are to be found in other Asian classical systems such as the notion...
along with vibhag
Vibhag
In certain traditions of Indian music, any number of beats may form a vibhag. Usually the beats will be in two, three, or four. They should be designated either with a clap or a wave of the hand....
s and avartan. The significance of beats depends on their occurrence in a cycle. However, the value of the beats may be stretched or contracted depending on various factors.