for students and lovers of Carnatic music
Swipe to view all the 16 slides in order to understand how 12 svara positions are distributed across the 72 melas. To learn more, read the following explanations and view another slide series >> Source © Ludwig Pesch | Creative Commons License >> A scale – mēla in Carnatic or thāt in Hindustani music – … Read more
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 … Read more
At first, this question seems easy to answer: just watch performers from either strand of Indian music and you’ll know Which is Which, merely going by the instruments in use, or how they dress and watching the body language involved: harmonium or sarangi vs. violin for melodic accompaniment for most vocal recitals, and tabla drums … Read more
Off the beaten track yet more than a detour, and fun: with your own voice (even if quietly or just imagined) and hands. In short, this set of exercises provides a bridge for anyone keen on combining both, traditional and unconventional learning opportunities; even if for no more than getting immersed or enjoying a break … Read more
Kalaimamani TR Sundaresan (Chennai) is a versatile percussionist with “A-grade” ranking at the national Indian broadcasting service (All India Radio). He is known for his mastery of several South Indian percussion instruments in addition to the Mridangam (double-sided drum), Ghatam (claypot), Kanjira (small tambourine), Morsing (Jew’s harp) and Konnakkol (rhythmic solmisation). The Kalaimamani title is the … Read more
We design activities that enrich the lives of children, young people and adults: Melodious music and captivating rhythms in which to immerse ourselves joyfully and spontaneously; with self-confidence yet always together. Indian music fosters intercultural collaboration. Each facet lends itself to being adapted so as to reach out even to those for whom making music had so far seemed a distant dream. We … Read more
Vainika, vocalist, musicologist annd teacher Vidya Shankar (1919-2010) was taught by Sabhesa Iyer, Sabhapathi Iyer, Syama Sastry (descendant of the composer), and T.L. Venkatarama Iyer. Vidya Shankar founded Parampara (Association for the Preservation of Classical Carnatic Music) and authored many articles and several books: She presented numerous lecture-demonstrations in India (e.g. The Music Academy Madras) and … Read more
H. Ramachandra Shastry (1906-1992), a disciple of Palladam Sanjeeva Rao.1 From 1977 to 1992 he taught several flute students at Kalakshetra including the present author. OF BAMBOO AND MAGIC – A FLAUTIST AT EIGHTY* by Ludwig Pesch Sri H. Ramachandra Shastry, seniormost Carnatic musician and teacher at the international centre of arts, Kalakshetra, at Madras, completes … 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
A Southern music: The Karnatik story By T.M. Krishna, HarperCollins, Rs 699 If a successful and busy Karnatic singer takes time off in order to write reflections on South Indian or “Karnatic” music, the book release function is bound to be met with considerable interest. […] He pays tribute to the tambura (the tanpura) as “the life-giver, the soul … Read more