A scientific rethink of a craft steeped in tradition, when unencumbered by hallowed strictures, can shatter long-held beliefs, shed valuable insight and provide illuminating perspective. Dr. Bhushan M. Jayarao of The Pennsylvania State University, a non-musician, has constructed a tuneful tanpura in State College PA, USA, with local materials and…
Around 1983, vocalist Ananthalakshmi Sadagopan took her friend, composer Ambujam Krishna, to visit vocalist Charumathi Ramachandran. There, they heard Charumathi’s husband, vocalist Trichur V. Ramachandran, sing the Narayaneeyam that he had set to tune. Ambujam found it coincidental as she was leaving for Guruvayur soon after. On her return, Ambujam…
Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer (SSI) strode Carnatic music like a colossus. However, none in his family followed in his footsteps. His eldest daughter, Santha Kasy Aiyar, explains, “My father was categorically against his family pursuing music professionally. He felt musicians were perceived as lower in the social ladder than those formally…
Last December, violinist Sangita Kalanidhi A. Kanyakumari began a thematic series to showcase Thyagaraja’s Ekaika rAgam-s – those in which only one kriti is thought to exist. She began on Friday, December 13th, 2019 with E dAri sancarintura in the rAgam Srutiranjani. She had envisioned it purely as a three-week…
Though most composers of Indian Classical Music have historically identified their works with a recognisable watermark, nowadays, the act of claiming credit in this art form is frequently construed as mercenary and disrespectful to hallowed tradition. Given the highly commercial nature of music dissemination now, performers’ rights is a topic…
Renowned vocalist Abhishek Raghuram put it perfectly when he called the Chennai Music Season (referred to as just ‘the season’ by aficionados) a huge cultural extravaganza. Indeed, heritage walks, lectures, lecture demonstrations, interesting combo events (such as sarees and music) etc. abound, besides music, dance and, well, food (but that…
DISCLAIMER: I am no critic and, most definitely, not an expert. Having dabbled in Carnatic music years ago, learning from good teachers, and having listened to copious concert recordings of stalwarts right from childhood- and a number of live concerts to date, has provided enough fodder to ruminate on the complexities…
The number has increased but do all sabhas offer quality experience? It is human nature to evaluate things, often experiences too. Chennai is gearing for yet another Season of Music and Dance. There is no dearth of variety with programmes happening at venues across the city. Now the quality of…
“One of my top favourite venues in the world, both as a performer as well as a listener, is the wonderful “Musiri Chamber.” The old world charm coupled with the intimate setting, makes it an ideal venue to make music and experience it at its highest level. The graciousness, warmth…