Tabla Solo in Tintaal

Shanta Prasad performed a tabla solo in tintaal as the second track on the album Inspiration India – Duets for Sitar, Surbahar, Shehnai. The recording spans 6 minutes and 47 seconds and showcases Prasad’s command of the tabla within the 16-beat tintaal rhythmic cycle, a foundational structure in North Indian classical music.

The album Inspiration India – Duets for Sitar, Surbahar, Shehnai was released on March 1996 under the EMI Classics label. The compilation features collaborative performances and solo pieces by prominent Indian classical musicians. The primary format of the release was a commercial audio CD.

Limited documentation exists regarding the specific session details, accompanying artists for other tracks, or the recording location. The album title suggests a focus on instrumental duets, though Prasad’s contribution remains a solo tabla composition. The tracklist sequence positions the tintaal performance early in the collection, indicating its role as a rhythmic centerpiece.

Shanta Prasad is recognized for his work in the Benares gharana tradition of tabla playing. His style emphasizes clarity in stroke articulation and intricate layakari (rhythmic improvisation). The 1996 release aligns with his broader discography of classical and fusion recordings during the 1990s.