Tarana


Tarana is a type of composition in Hindustani classical vocal music in which certain words and syllables based on Persian and Arabic phonemes are rendered at a medium or fast. It was invented by Amir Khusro, and is similar to the Qalbana form of Sufi poetry. In modern times, the tarana is most commonly associated with the singer Amir Khan, who helped popularize it and researched its origins and the syllables used. Nissar Hussain Khan was also well known for tarana singing. Tarana was also used by Sikh tenth Guru Gobind Singh in his compositions.

Form

The structure consists of a main melody, usually short, repeated many times, with variation and elaboration at the performer's discretion. There is a second, contrasting melody, usually with higher notes, which is introduced once before returning to the main melody. The tarana may include a Persian couplet, and may use syllables from sitar or tabla such as "dar-dar" or "dir-dir"; singers might recite full compositions within the body of the tarana.

History

In the words of Thakur Jaidev Singh, an influential commentator on Indian music:

Derivatives

The thillana from Carnatic music is based on the tarana, according to Balasaraswati, and is widely used in dance performances.