for students and lovers of Carnatic music
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
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
South Indian conventions (raga names & svara notation): karnATik.com | Guide >> raagam: mOhanakalyANiAa: S R2 G3 P D2 S | Av: S N3 D2 P M2 G3 R2 S The above exercise pattern may also be applied to raagam: bilahari | More details: songs listed under raga Bilahari >>Aa: S R2 G3 P D2 S | Av: S N3 … Read more
This production is based on the book Shobhillu Saptasvara: svarāvali, gītam, prabandham, sūlādi | Find a library copy on Worldcat.org >> Savithri Rajan provides a spoken “Introduction to Shobhillu Saptasvara” on the first track. View or download two excerpts from the book: (1) a gitam in standard notation (raga Hamsadhvani) and (2) an excerpt on the historical context and current … Read more
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
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
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
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
The Sabha itself was a product of colonial times. When the patronage of royalty and aristocracy was vital for the survival of the arts, a new city like Madras posed challenges – the ruling elite was English and had no intention to support artistes. The aristocracy, namely the dubashes or translators, provided the necessary support … Read more
Gaining prominence Despite the many alternatives available today, fortunately we still get to see the tambura player on stage. In fact, the first thing many musicians do after accepting a concert date is to book their preferred tambura player. As more musicians show a renewed interest in the instrument, the tambura is experiencing a resurgence. … Read more