TR Sundaresan

T. R. Sundaresan (Chennai) is a versatile percussionist with “A-grade” ranking at the national Indian broadcasting service (All India Radio). He performs several South Indian percussion instruments with equal virtuosity: Mridangam (the double-sided main drum of Carnatic music), Ghatam (claypot), Kanjira (small tambourine), Morsing (Jew’s harp) and Konnakkol (rhythmic solmisation) T. R. Sundaresan’s mridangam was soft, …

A brief introduction to Carnatic music

Whatever one’s personal background and aspirations may be, Carnatic music remains a quest for undiluted aesthetic experience (rasa).1 Three basic concepts are essential for daily practice as well as proper appreciation: rāga (tuneful rendition with minute intervals and rich in embellishments), tāla (rhythmic order marked by mathematical precision), and bhāva (expression of thoughts and emotions). To …

Tala Anubhava: 25 rhythm exercises

A tala trainer for self-study by T.R. Sundaresan (voice & lessons) & Ludwig Pesch (talam cymbals & concept) Tips for self-study For some of the basic lessons your tutor provides pauses to be filled by participants while the accompaniment of cymbals and claps continues. This is followed by yet another repetition by the tutor.  Listen …