Tappa in Raga Bhairavi (Addha Taal)

Tappa in Raga Bhairavi (Addha Taal) is a classical vocal composition performed by Girija Devi, a prominent exponent of the Banaras gharana in the thumri and tappa traditions. The track appears as the fifth entry on the 2012 compilation album Masterworks from the NCPA Archives, released by Sony Music in CD format. The recording captures Devi’s interpretation of the tappa, a semi-classical genre characterized by rapid, rhythmic vocal flourishes and emotive delivery.

The composition adheres to Raga Bhairavi, a morning raga in Hindustani classical music known for its deep emotional resonance and use of the komal re (flattened second) and komal dha (flattened sixth) swaras. The piece employs Addha Taal, a 16-beat rhythmic cycle divided into two equal halves of eight matras each. The performance spans 6 minutes and 18 seconds, showcasing Devi’s command over layakari (rhythmic play) and bol-banao (lyrical improvisation).

The album Masterworks from the NCPA Archives compiles live and studio recordings from the archives of the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai. While the exact recording date and venue of this track remain undocumented in the release, the collection highlights Devi’s contributions to Hindustani vocal music during her career. The CD format preserves the acoustic nuances of her performance, including the accompaniment details—though specific instrumentalists for this track are not credited in the available sources.

Girija Devi (1929–2017) received widespread recognition for her role in popularizing the tappa and thumri styles, earning accolades such as the Padma Vibhushan (2016) and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1977). This recording exemplifies her signature blend of technical precision and expressive depth, reinforcing her legacy as a defining figure in 20th-century Indian classical music.