Siddheshwari Devi
Tappa in Raag JhinJoti
We begin with a tappa set to the 16 matra Sitarkhani or Addha taal sung by Siddheshwari Devi (c.1907/08-1977). The descriptor mentions that this tappa is in raag Jhinjhoti, but the track displays characteristics of raag Khamaj.
Rasoolan Bai
Tappa/Aaja gumaani yaar ve
Tappas are normally found in raags like Kafi, Khamaj, and Bhairavi. Here is a Kafi tappa set to Sitarkhani taal sung by Rasoolan Bai, a contemporary of Siddheshwari Devi.
Girija Devi and Pt. Jnan Prakash Ghosh
Raag Yaman/Tap Khyal
Tapkhayal is a compound form incorporating elements from tappa and khayal. Girija Devi sings a tapkhayal in raag Yaman set to Sitarkhani taal. She is accompanied by scholar-musician and revered teacher Jnan Prakash Ghosh on the harmonium and Banaras gharana maestro Mahapurush Mishra on the tabla.
Next week, we will listen to other presentations of tappa.
The first part of the series on tappa can be read here.