Instruments

Gudu Gudu for “Happy days ahead”: Carnatic music at its innovative best – KaraikudiVoyage

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Gudu Gudu makes wonderful listening, time and again. A rendition by Sreevidhya Chandramouli along with her husband and son as part of their ongoing KaraikudiVoyage. This song encapsulates the healing power of music waiting to be brought into practice on a more regular base for being rooted in tradition at its very best. Translation on … Read more

“Sampradaya is like a broad river and the bani is a tributary”: Umayalpuram Sivaraman on his 75 years of performance

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Sampradaya is like a broad river and the bani is a tributary. It is born out of creativity and sustained when creativity combines with novelty, while based on the core principles. It should be aesthetically beautiful and serve as something new for present and future generations to work upon.I learnt from four great masters: Arupathi … Read more

“Only a tambura can bring in a tranquil aura”: Musicians comment on the convenience and compromise of digital tanpura

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The four strings of the tambura that provide sruthi or the basic swara (pitch) for musicians are considered the life force for any melodic exercise. Fixed in jack wood to enhance the naada, yesteryear musicians were stuck to this pitch provider because there were no alternatives. […] While many are comfortable with the electronic gadget … Read more

Flow | Colourful and creative “when life is attuned to a single tune” – Mahatma Gandhi

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South Indian conventions (raga names & svara notation): karnATik.com | Guide >> raagam: kuntalavarALiAa: S M1 P D2 N2 D2 S | Av: S N2 D2 P M1 S If a raga1 constitutes more than mere arrangements of notes derived from a given scale, this is due to the mood it evokes in listeners from different backgrounds. This shared experience is … Read more

Audio | “Dedication to her guru, Veena Dhanammal” by Savithri Rajan

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In her private LP recording titled “Dedication to her guru, Veena Dhanammal”, Savithri Rajan (1908-91) pays tribute Veena Dhanammal (1867-1937). As a child she was tutored by the legendary singer and composer known as “Tiger” Varadachariar (1876-1950, a disciple of Pattanam Subrahmanya Ayyar). Tips: (1) to automatically play both the sides of the LP-recording, click … Read more

Audio | Live concert by Bhushany Kalyanaraman

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Complete live recording of a classical South Indian (Carnatic) vocal recital with announcements for each item Items 1. Mangalavara Ganapate (Varnam) 05:14Raga: Hamsadhvani; Tala: Adi; Composer: Tanjavoor S. Kalyanaraman 2. Sogasuga Mridanga Talamu (Kriti) 11:29Raga: Sriranjani; Tala: Rupakam; Composer: Tyagaraja 3.Taye Tripura Sundari (Kriti) 07:05Raga: Suddhasaveri; Tala: Khanda Chapu; Composer: Periyaswami Tooran 4. Minakshi Memudam (Kriti) … Read more

Flow | Practice within a shared vocal range of one octave

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By choosing an octave based on G# or A for basic “Sa”, all types of voice will be able to join in comfortably. This is demonstrated by a noted singer and vocal guru, Dr. Nookala Chinnasatyanarana: for this audio lesson1 he chose G# as basic “sa” to enable male and female voices to practice together; … Read more

S Rajam and disciples sing Harikesanallur Bhagavatar

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S. Rajam (1919-2010) is credited with defining the visual identity of South India’s classical music. The present recording was made at his Mylapore home on 12 December 1997 when rehearsing for a lecture-demonstration; an annual event serving to highlight rare facets of South Indian (Carnatic) music. More about this recording & Sangita Kalasikhamani S. Rajam >> Total … Read more

Video | Triveni-A combination of “Muki-Prana” by TR Sundaresan

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A combination of “Muki-Prana” Ragam – Tanam – Pallavi Concept and Pallavi lyrics by TR Sundaresan – Mridangam Tuned and sung by S Srivathsan TR Sundaresan, on the occasion of India’s celebration into the entry of the 76th year of Independence, brings this humble presentation as a dedication to the country. Through the journey of … Read more