this refers to the speed at which a song or portion of a song (or swaras) is performed. For singing in 1st speed, there can be 1 note per beat in practice (4 notes in concerts and when singing kritis). In second speed, there are 2 notes per beat in music practice and 8 in concerts, in 3rd speed 4 notes per beat in practice and 16 in concerts, and in 4th speed 8 notes per beat in practice and 32 in concerts (rare!). However, if the kaala of the TAALA itself is changed, the slower speeds will accomodate MORE swaras, not less, so though 1st speed is 4 swaras per beat, if the taaLa kaala is changed, 1/2 speed can now hold 8 swaras per beat because the beats are longer.

Related Articles:

• Glossary: cowka kaala
• Glossary: durita kaala
• Glossary: first speed
• Glossary: fourth speed
• Glossary: second speed