Gayathri Girish's Blog

Newspaper Articles and Reviews(Dec 2011-Jan 2012)-Part 2

2012-01-30T11:45:00.005+05:30

Article in 'Life In Adyar'(21/1/2012):

Concert at Music Academy-23/12/11 : (Review in the HINDU on 13/1/12):

Article in DECCAN CHRONICLE(7/1/2012):

Sriranjani Trust-7/1/12

2012-01-17T08:48:00.004+05:30

This concert had been originally scheduled for the 29th of December, 2011, but got postponed due to the heavy rains and cyclone in the city.

Venue: Swamys Hall, Mandhaveli

Accompanists:
Kalyani Shankar -Violin
Delhi Sairam - Mridangam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. Valachi-Navaragamalika Varnam-Adi (S)
2. Bagayanayya-Chandrajyoti-Adi-Tyagaraja
3. Parvatharaja Kumari-Sriranjani-Adi-Muttuswami Dikshitar (R,S)
4. Kalarathri Swaroopini-Urmika-Adi-Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavatar (R)
5. Azhaga Azhaga-Sudhdhadhanyasi-Kanta Chapu-Ambujam Krishna (R,S)
6. Nandagopala-Yamunakalyani-Adi-Muttuswami Dikshitar
7. Enduku Pedhala-Shankarabharanam-Adi-Tyagaraja (R,N,S,T)
8. Sundari En-Kamas-Rupakam-Sankara Sivam
9. Bhavayami Gopala-Yamunakalyani-Kanta Chapu-Annamacharya
10.Mangalam

Newspaper Articles and Reviews(Dec 2011-Jan 2012)-Part 1

2012-01-10T18:34:00.017+05:30

Article in KALKI(18/12/2011):

Concert at Maragatham Sankaranarayanan Trust-2/12/11 : (Review in Tamizh Magazine KUNKUMAM on 19/12/11):

Article in India Today(Tamizh) on 21/12/11:

Concert at Nungambakkam Cultural Academy-13/12/11 : (Review in Tamizh Daily DINATHANDHI on 18/12/11):

Concert at Bharat Kalachar-2/1/12 : (Review in Tamizh Daily DINAMANI on 4/1/12):

Nadasudha- 3.1.2012

2012-01-04T16:45:00.003+05:30

Venue - Ganapathi Sachidananda Ashram, Velachery

Accompanists:

R.Hemalatha - Violin
Neyveli Skandasubramanian - Mridangam
Anirudh Athreya - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. Varnam - Andolika - Adi - G.N.Balasubramanian
2. Ganapathi taalai - Natai - Adi - Mahakavi Subramanya Bharati
3. Kanugontini- Bilahari - Adi - Tyagaraja (R,S)
4. Soundararajam - Brindavana Saranga - Rupakam - Muttuswami Dikshitar (R,S)
5. Telisi Rama - Purnachandrika - Adi - Tyagaraja
6. Bhajasva Sri Tripurasundari - Nadanamakriya - Adi - Uthukadu Venkatasubbier
(2nd Avarana of Kamakashi Navavarana Kritis)
7. Parvathi Nayakane - Shanmukhapriya - Adi - Papanasam Sivan (R,N,S,T)
8. Eppadi Padinaro - Bhimplas - Adi
9. Virutham (Periazhwar pasuram) followed by
Gana Mazhai - Ragamalika - Adi - Ambujam Krishna
10.Karunai Deivame - Sindubhairavi - Adi
Mangalam

Bharat Kalachar - 2.1.2012

2012-01-04T16:34:00.004+05:30

After having begun the new year with a concert at Iyyappan Temple, Mahalingapuram on Jan 1st, this concert at Bharat Kalachar was at 4 p.m on the 2nd of January.

Accompanists:

M.A.Krishnaswamy - Violin
K.R.Ganesh - Mridangam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. Varnam - Sree ragam - Adi
2. Sri Maha Ganapathi - Gowlai - Misra Chapu - Muttuswami Dikshitar(S)
3. Alokaye - Charukesi - Adi - Narayana Theerthar(R)
4. Virutham (Tirunavukkarasar Tevaram) - Mukhari followed by
Enraikku Siva Krupai - Mukhari - Misra Chapu - Neelakanta Sivan
5. Venkataramana - Lathangi - Rupakam - Papanasam Sivan (R,N,S)
6. Nambikettavar- Hindolam - Adi - Papanasam Sivan
7. Saraguna Palimpa - Kedaragowla - Adi - Ramanathapuram Srinivasa Iyengar (R,N,S,T)
8. Bruhi Mukundethi- Senjurutti - Adi - Sadasiva Brahmendra
9. Virutham (Pasuram) - Surutti, Neelambari, Vasanta, Sama, Kapi followed by
Kanna Va - Ragamalika - Adi - Ambujam Krishna
10.Tillana - Madhuvanti - Adi - Lalgudi Jayaraman

Happy 2012 !!

2012-01-01T07:50:00.003+05:30

Yet another year has rolled by and we have just ushered in a new one - always with hope and anticipation.

I would like to wish everyone warmly for a promising and a fulfilling year replete with happiness,peace,great aspirations and above all good health.

Let us cherish every beautiful moment of our lives and be happy and positive.

"Happy New Year" and God bless!!

Brahma Gana Sabha - 26.12.2011

2012-01-01T07:19:00.005+05:30

After the Lecture Demonstration at Narada Gana Sabha in the morning, I had this concert the same evening at Petachi Auditorium.

Accompanists:

V.Sanjeev - Violin
B.Sivaraman - Mridangam
Sreesundarkumar - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. Varnam - Kambhoji - Ata
2. Sugunamule - Chakravaham - Rupakam - Tyagaraja (S)
3. Mahavishnu Sodari - Anandhabhairavi - Rupakam- Muthiah Bhagavatar (R)
4. Virutham followed by Anjadhe Nenjame - Pavani - Misra Chapu - Koteeswara Iyer (S)
5. Kadaikann - Begada - Misra Chapu - Ramaswamy Sivan (S)
6. Emani pogadudhura - Veeravasantham - Adi - Tyagaraja
7. Chakkani Raja - Kharaharapriya - Adi - Tyagaraja (R,N,S,T)
8. Shlokam followed by Sadha Enna Hrudayadalli - Behag - Rupakam - Vijayavittala Dasa
9. Jagajjanani - Ratipatipriya - Adi
10. Tillana - Sindhubhairavi - Adi - Uthukadu Venkatasubbier

Lecture Demonstration-Saraswathi and Narada Gana Sabha-26.12.11

2011-12-29T08:14:00.007+05:30

Venue - Narada Gana Sabha Mini Hall
Time - 8.30 a.m

Topic - "The place of Varnam in Carnatic Music"

A beautiful and vast topic.

Will try and capture the essence of 1.5 hours of the Lec-Dem in a few lines :-)

After talking briefly about the etymology and history of Varnam, I talked about how the Varnam stands apart as a musical form that is ideal for "abhyAsam".

As a tool for abhyAsa gAnam, the varnam helps the music student in learning the nuances of a rAga. It helps in voice culture. These were illustrated with various examples.

I then spoke about the differences between pada varnams and tAna varnams.

Varnam helps us in understanding the various facets of "manOdharma sangItam", like in singing the rAga AlApana, niraval,kalpanaswaras.These were again illustrated with examples.

tAna varnams give ample scope for singing the varnam in various speeds. Also, the art of tAnam singing can be developed from varnams. These were again explained with examples.

I then took up daru varnams, rAgamalika varnams and varnams with swarAkshara prayOgams.

In all, it was a truly enjoyable session for me and there was a very enthusiastic audience.

Incidentally, I happened to meet Mr.V.Subramanian after the Lec-Dem, who had beautifully drawn a sketch of the artistes on stage. Here it is:

Music Academy - 23.12.11

2011-12-24T11:25:00.006+05:30

23rd December, 7 p.m:

Accompanists:

V.Sanjeev - Violin
Bangalore Sri.Rajakesari - Mridangam
Bangalore Sri.Chandramouli - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. Virutham followed by Keesu Keesendru - Tiruppavai - Bhairavi - Misra Chapu
2. Makelara - Ravichandrika - Adi - Tyagaraja (S)
3. Sri Vishwanatham - Chaturdasa Ragamalika - Adi - Muttuswami Dikshitar
4. Charanam Vijayasaraswathi - Vijayasaraswathi - Adi - Muthiah Bhagavatar (R)
5. Kamakshi Gowri - Saveri - Adi - Papanasam Sivan (R,N,S,T)
6. Chalamelara - Margahindolam - Adi - Tyagaraja
7. RTP- Kalyani - Adi Talam(Kantamukhi)
"Sangeetha Laya Gnanamu Sakala Sowbhagyamu"
8. Virutham followed by Chinnanjiru Kiliye - Ragamalika - Mahakavi Subramanya Bharatiyar
9. Eppadi Padinaro - Bhimplas - Adi
10.Tillana - Kamas - Adi - Lalgudi Jayaraman
11.Tiruppugazh - Chandrakouns
12.Mangalam

Meenakshi Sundararajan Trust - 21.12.11

2011-12-22T22:28:00.005+05:30

Venue - Meenakshi College, Kodambakkam

Accompanists:

Usha Rajagopal - Violin
B.Ganapathiraman - Mridangam
Sreesundarkumar - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. Varnam - Begada - Adi- Veena Kuppier (S)
2. Deva Deva - Mayamalavagowla - Rupakam - Maharaja Swati Tirunal
3. Maayanai - Sree - Adi - Tiruppavai
4. Ninnu Nera - Pantuvarali - Rupakam - Tyagaraja (R,N,S)
5. Sakala Loka - Arabhi - Adi - Uthukadu Venkatasubbier (Kamakshi Navavarana Kriti)
6. Nambikettavar - Hindolam - Adi - Papanasam Sivan
7. Akshayalinga vibho - Shankarabharanam - Misra Chapu - Muttuswami Dikshitar (R,N,S,T)
8. Tum Bina - Misra Hindolam - Adi - Meera Bhajan
9. Virutham, Koovi Azhaithal - Valaji - Adi
10. Kalyanagopalam - Sindhubhairavi - Kantachapu - Narayanatheerthar
11. Tillana - Kamas - Adi - Lalgudi Jayaraman
12. Mangalam

Valayapatti Nadhalaya Trust- 20.12.11

2011-12-20T23:52:00.004+05:30

Venue was Anantapadmanabhaswamy Temple, Adyar.

Accompanists:

Balu Raghuram - Violin
B.Sivaraman - Mridangam
Venkatasubramaniam - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. Kanchadalaayathaakshi - Kamalamanohari - Adi - Muttuswami Dikshitar (S)
2. Virutham, Aazhi Mazhai Kanna - Varali - Adi - Tiruppavai
3. Mahavishnu Sodari - Anandabhairavi - Rupakam - Muthiah Bhagavatar (R)
4. Maravairi Ramani - Nasikabhushani - Rupakam (R,S)
5. Ranganayakam - Nayaki - Adi - Muttuswami Dikshitar
6. Sarasa Samadana - Kapinarayani - Adi - Tyagaraja
7. Sukhi Evaro- Kaanada - Adi - Tyagaraja (R,N,S,T)
8. Irakkam Varamal - Behag - Rupakam - Gopalakrishna Bharati
9. Pravisha Radhe - Misra Sivaranjani - Kanta Chapu - Jayadevar
10. Tillana - Hamsanandi - Adi - Muthiah Bhagavatar

Mudhra - 16.12.2011

2011-12-17T08:02:00.006+05:30

Sang an RTP in Gamanashrama yesterday.
"chidambara gamanashramaapaharaNam Ananda natESam Sivam bhajEham"

The Pallavi was set to Misra Jati Jhampa Talam (Chatusra Nadai). During the kalpana swaras, I switched over to Chatusra Jati Matya Talam (Chatusra Nadai) and to Adi Tala (Kanta Nadai) for the Ragamalika Swaras.

Accompanists:

Mysore Srikanth - Violin
J.Vaidyanathan - Mridangam
Alathur Rajaganesh - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. Dinamani Vamsa - Harikambhoji - Adi - Tyagaraja
2. Virutham followed by Balakrishnan - Dhanyasi- Rupakam - Papanasam Sivan
3. Janani Ninnuvina - Reethigowla - Misra Chapu - Subbaraya Sastri (R,S)
4. Srikantha - Bhavapriya - Adi - Tyagaraja (S)
5. Balagopala - Bhairavi - Adi - Muttuswami Dikshitar (R,N,S,T)
6. Telisi rama - Purnachandrika - Adi - Tyagaraja
7. RTP - Gamanashrama - Misra Jathi Jhampai
8. Gopi Gopala - Gamanshrama - Adi(Kanta Nadai) - Surdas
9. Innudaya Baradhe - Kalyanavasantham - Kanta Chapu - Purandaradasa
10.Tillana - Madhuvanti - Adi - Lalgudi Jayaraman
11.Mangalam

Karthik Fine Arts - 15.12.2011

2011-12-17T07:18:00.004+05:30

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore has always been one of my favourite concert venues. Excellent acoustics. This was where I gave my first concert in the Music Season way back in 1991, which makes this auditorium very special :-)

Accompanists:

Mysore Srikanth - Violin
Poongulam Subramanian - Mridangam
Anirudh Athreya - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. Varnam - Pantuvarali - Adi (S)
2. Vallabha Nayakasya - Begada - Rupakam - Muttuswami Dikshitar
3. Ganamurthe - Ganamurthi - Adi - Tyagaraja (R,S)
4. Virutham, Mannu pugazh - Azhwar pasuram - Neelambari - Kanta Chapu
5. Sri Subramanyaya - Kambhoji - Rupakam - Muttuswami Dikshitar (R,N,S,T)
6. Theeradha Vilayaatu- Ragamalika- Adi(Kanta Nadai) - Subramanya Bharatiyar
7. Slokam followed by Base Mere - Ragavardhini - Adi - Bhajan

Nungambakkam Cultural Academy - 13.12.2011

2011-12-17T00:23:00.004+05:30

In almost every concert, I try to include either a rare song, or a song in a rare Ragam. In this particular concert, I chose the Kriti "Niramaye Niranjane", a composition of Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar. This Kriti belongs to the group of 108 Chamundi Ashttothara Kritis.

Accompanists:
Ganeshprasad - Violin
Manoj Siva - Mridangam

Song List: (R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. Varnam - Shudhadhanyasi - Adi - Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar
2. Brochevaarevare - Sriranjani (S)
3. Virutham (Azhwar pasuram) followed by Seshachala Nayakam - Varali - Rupakam - MD
4. Chitham Irangaadenaya - Sahana - misra Chapu - Papanasam Sivan (R,S)
5. Niramaye Niranjane - Kunthalavarali - Tisra Adi - Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar
6. Kaligiyunte - Keeravani - Adi- Tyagaraja (R,N,S,T)
7. Varuvai Varuvai - Darbari Kaanada - Adi - Subramanya Bharatiyar
8. Jagajjanani- Ratipatipriya - Adi
9. Virutham (verses from Tirunaavukkarasar's Tiruthaandagam) followed by
Adiya Paadhathai - Surutti - Adi - Gopalakrishna Bharathi
10.Mangalam

Maragatham Sankaranarayanan Trust- 2.12.2011

2011-12-17T00:02:00.005+05:30

The Maragatham Sankaranarayanan trust has been holding concerts on the 2nd of December every year,as part of the Remembrance Day of the composer Kallidaikurichi Dr.E.S.Sankaranarayana Iyer.

The venue for this year's concert was Sivakami Petachi Auditorium.

The concert was exclusively of Dr.ESS's compositions.

Accompanists were

M.A.Krishnaswamy - Violin
Manoj Siva - Mridangam
Anirudh Athreya - Kanjira

Looking at the compositions of Dr.ESS, it is very interesting to note that he has composed numerous kritis in Ghana ragas, Rakthi ragas and several rare ragas like Somatarangini, Sudhdhasyamala, Bhanuchandrika, Natanasrimati, Naadamurthi, Dwaithanandi and so on.

He has also composed a beautiful set of Kritis on Lord Shiva, called the Ekaadasa Rudra Kritis, Navagraha Kritis and a few Tamizh padams too.

That day I took up 2 rare ragas, Vivardhini and Sudhdhasyamala. Vivardhini is a Janya of Sankarabharanam and Sudhdhasyamala is a Janya of Chakravaham.

Song List: (R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. Gajavadanam Bhaja - Natai - Adi(S)
2. Neeraja Nayane - Lalitha - Rupakam (R,S)
3. Mahadeva manohari - Devamanohari- Adi (R,S)
4. Bhakthileni - Vivardhini - Adi (S)
5. Bhagavantam Shukram - Varali - Adi (R)(Navagraha Kriti)
6. Paramukha - Sudhdhasyamala - Adi (R,S)
7. Bhavothbhavam - Kambhoji - Adi (R,N,S,T) (Ekaadasa Rudra Kriti)
8. Eppodhum Ennudan - Punnagavarali - Misra Chapu (Tamizh padam)
9. Manaththinil Kavalai - Virutham in Surutti followed by
Marakatha Maninibha - Surutti (Mangalam)

It was a great experience learning and presenting all the above mentioned Kritis.

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan-25th November 2011

2011-11-26T22:19:00.004+05:30

Braving the rains in Chennai, we managed to reach the concert venue on Saturday :-)

Accompanists:
Akkarai Subhalakshmi - Violin
B.Sivaraman - Mridangam
Adambakkam Shankar - Ghatam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.Varnam-Andolika-Adi-G.N.Balasubramaniam (S)
2.Sri Vathapi-Sahana-Adi-Papanasam Sivan
3.Pahi Jagajjanani-Hamsanandi-Adi-Swati Tirunal (R,N,S)
4.Virutham, Chintaya Ma-Bhairavi-Rupakam-Muttuswami Dikshitar
5.Saravana Bhava-Pasupathipriya-Adi-Harikesanallur Muthaiah Bhagavatar
6.Geetharthamu-Surutti-Adi-Tyagaraja (R,N,S,T)
7.Gopi Gopala-Gamanashramam-Tisra Adi-Surdas
8.Vattu Naduve-Ragamalika-Periazhwar Pasuram
9.Virutham, Muruganin Marupeyar-Behag-Kanta Chapu-Guru Surajananda
10.Tillana-Sindubhairavi-Adi-Uthukadu Venkatasubbier

Mylapore Arts Academy - 20th Nov 2011

2011-11-26T07:19:00.007+05:30

This concert was held at Dakshinamurthy Auditorium, P.S.High School, Chennai.

Accompanists:

B.U.Ganeshprasad - Violin
Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan - Mridangam
Trichy Murali - Ghatam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.Varnam-Kedaragowla-Adi-Tiruvottriyur Tyagayyar
2.Karunanidhiye Thaye-Bowli-Misra Chapu-Papanasam Sivan
3.Needayaradha-Vasantabhairavi-Rupakam-Tyagaraja(R,S)
4.Slokam,Yoga Nidre-Neelambari-Adi-Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavatar
5.Phanipathi sayee-Jhankaradhwani-Adi-Tyagaraja(S)
6.Rama Rama Gunaseema-Simhendramadhyamam-Adi-Swati Tirunal(R,N,S,T)
7.Paayum Oli-Ragamalika-Tisra Adi-Subramnya Bharati
8.Gayati Vanamali-Gavati-Adi-Sadasiva Brahmendra
9.Irakkam Varamal-Behag-Rupakam-Gopalakrishna Bharati
10.Kalyanagopalam-Sindhubhairavi-Kanta Chapu-Narayanatheerthar
11.Mangalam

Musiri Chamber Concert-13th November 2011

2011-11-23T16:31:00.007+05:30

Here I am, writing after a gap of many months !!

I somehow preferred to stay away from technology for a while, but back now with renewed vigor :-)

I am yet to write in detail about this year's Navarathri Kolu. Many friends have asked for details and description, but I guess it will have to wait till January, since the Music Season here has already begun !

Many concerts have gone by in recent months, but I plan to write about my concerts from November onwards. And hence this post.

The atmosphere at the legendary Musiri Chamber concert venue in Mylapore was very homely and it was great having the audience at such close quarters.

There was a little girl (studying in class 1) who beautifully drew a sketch of all the artists and presented it to me at the end of the concert ! Here it is..

And here is the actual photo:

Accompanists:
Smt. Usha Rajagopalan - Violin
Sri.S.Balashankar- Mridangam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. Varnam-Todi-Adi (S)
2. Sri Maha Ganapathi-Gowla-Misra Chapu-Muttuswami Dikshitar
3. Vanadurge-Vanaspathi-Rupakam-Muthiah Bhagavatar(R)
4. Edhayya Gati-Chalanaata-Adi-Koteeswara Iyer
5. Ninnu Nera-Pantuvarali-Rupakam-Tyagaraja(R,N,S)
6. Cheta Sri-Dwijavanti-Rupakam-Muttuswami Dikshitar
7. O Rangasayee-Kambhoji-Adi-Tyagaraja (R,N,S,T)
8. Om Namo Narayana-Karnaranjani-Kanta Chapu-Ambujam Krishna
9. Nagendra Haraya-Ragamalika-Kanta Chapu-Adi Shankara
10.Mangalam

Nadajyoti Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar Foundation - 26/3/11

2011-04-07T10:41:00.013+05:30

The theme taken up for the concert was " Healing Powers of Sri Muttuswami Dikshitar Kritis".

Music Therapy is a topic very actively researched by several scholars and institutions all over the country

It is widely claimed that Muttuswami Dikshitar's compositions have a therapeutic effect and have cured several diseases. His life story includes episodes of miraculous impact of his compositions,like his Navagraha Kritis curing his disciple Shuddha Mathalam Tambiappan from very serious stomach ailments.

Modern science has clearly established that mind and body are closely connected.It is well known that many diseases like diabetes,hypertension and resultant diseases are caused by mental stress and imbalance of bio-chemical constituents in the brain.

It is therefore justifiable to assume that listening to and singing music which has a calming effect on the mind,will have an impact on the functioning of the body too.

Our scriptures proclaim that the ultimate goal of liberation(Moskha)requires realisation of the “Self”. Self-knowledge(Atma Gnanam)requires several disciplines
to make one fit to receive this knowledge. Liberation is symbolically described cure from the Human disease of Samsara(cycle of birth and death and innumerable experiences we go through).

The Lord is visualized as the "doctor" who cures this Samsara Roga or Bhava Roga, thus helping us to attain liberation.

Muttuswami Dikshitar was a great Advaitin who had rigorously pursued the teachings of the Indian scriptures. His compositions clearly illustrate his yearning for liberation and cure from Samsara or Bhava Roga.

As an erudite scholar of several Sastras like Mantra Sastra and Tantra Sastra,he has very intelligently woven those Sastric practises into his compositions.

His compositions contain hidden treasures of scriptural teachings as well as the essence of Mantra and Tantra Sastras. When properly sung and heard,these will definitely have a positive impact on all the facets of human personality providing wholistic treatment of Bhava Roga.

In this concert,I selected his compositions from this perspective of seeking cure from Bhava Roga – sometimes Samsara is symbolised as an ocean (Bhava sagaram) and the composer sees the Lord as one who helps us cross the ocean of Samsara.

Though it does not appear that he has composed Kritis to cure physical ailments, there is no doubt that listening to his compositions and practising them in right earnest will have a positive impact on the total personality of an individual which includes the physical body also. There is therefore no wonder that there are reports of effect of the Kritis on physical ailments too.

The concert was held at P.Obul Reddy Hall (Vani Mahal - mini).

Accompanists:

Mysore Srikanth - Violin
Poongulam Subramanian - Mridangam
K.V.Gopalakrishnan - Kanjira

I gave a short introduction to the theme at the beginning of the concert and also briefly explained before each Kriti, how it fitted into the theme.

Song List:
1. vAtApi - hamsadhwani - Adi
2. srI pArvatI paramEshwarau - bowLi - Adi
3. srI mAthrubhUtam - kannadA - misra cApu (S)
4. hiraNmayIm - lalitA - rUpakam (R)
5. navaratnavilAsa - navaratnavilAsam - Adi
6. srI kamalAmbikAyAm - sahAnA - tisra triputa (R)
7. srI guruNa pAlitOsmi - pAdi - rUpakam (S)
8. bhajarE rE citta - kalyANi - misra cApu (R,N,S,T)
9. diwAkara tanujam - yadukulakAmbhOji - chatusra Eka
10.srI kamalAmbikE - srI - kanta Eka

Chief guest for the evening was eminent musicologist, Dr.S.A.K.Durga who spoke on the concert's theme after the concert.

TEAM INDIA - THE WORLD CHAMPIONS !!!

2011-04-03T07:10:00.002+05:30

Hats off to the Indian Cricket Team.. They have done us all proud.
What a match it was !
Equally thrilling were the quarter-finals against the Aussies and the Semis against Pakistan.

I also liked Dhoni's short speech during the presentation ceremony and it was great to see that everyone in the team wanted to unanimously win this for the legend, Sachin.

Emotional Yuvi, Dhoni, Sachin, Harbhajan, on winning - these were unforgettable moments last night...

The score of 274 to chase looked scary, particularly after the early dismissal of Sehwag and Sachin. But, what an anchoring role Gambhir played ! And of course, our Captain took the real pressure on to his shoulders and steered the way for history to repeat itself after 28 long years !!!

It was a great Finals and a true test of handling the huge pressure out there.

A great moment for the entire nation and a big THANK YOU to our Team India from all of us - your ardent fans and supporters :-)).

Sivaji Virudhu - 15/3/11

2011-03-19T22:29:00.005+05:30

Marumalarchi Arts Academy and All India Sivaji Manram gave the annual " Sivaji Virudhu" awards on the 15th of March, 2011 at Kamarajar Arangam, Chennai, to artists from various fields.

It was a happy moment for me to receive the award from Mr. Ramkumar,the eldest son of Chevalier Sri.Sivaji Ganesan.

Incidentally, here is a photo of me as a school student where I receive a prize from Nadigar Tilagam Sri.Sivaji Ganesan :-)

Tyagaraja Aradhana at Tiruvaiyaru - 24/1/11

2011-03-16T21:13:00.005+05:30

It was a wonderful experience giving an introduction to the Aradhana (in Tamizh and English) at Tiruvaiyaru, which was telecast Live on Podhigai and National TV Network.

(Photo Courtesy : Kutcheribuzz Website)

International Music Conference 2011 - Bangalore, 26/1/2011

2011-03-13T14:49:00.007+05:30

The Indira Nagar Sangeetha Sabha, Bangalore conducted an International Music Conference and Festival in January 2011.

I presented a Lecture-Demonstration on the topic "Bhairavi as handled by the Music Trinity".

Chairperson for my session was Dr. Suma Sudhindra and reporteur was renowned violinist,H.K.Venkatram.

Talking briefly about the pre-Trinity period, I explained the usage of the Dasa Vidha Gamakas in the Ata Tala Varnam-Viribhoni in Bhairavi and also the characteristic "Bhairavi phrases" in a Kshetragna Padam.

I talked briefly about the evolution of the Raga Bhairavi and went on to explain in detail, the similarities and differences in the handling of the Bhairavi Raga by the Music Trinity, Tyagaraja, Muttuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri.

(A section of the audience)

KALAIMAMANI AWARD - 13/2/2011

2011-02-15T18:45:00.011+05:30

The Tamizhnadu State Government "KALAIMAMANI" awards (instituted by the Tamizhnadu Iyal isai Nataka Manram) for the years 2008, 2009, 2010 were given on the 13th February, 2011, at Valluvar Kottam, Chennai, by Hon.Chief Minister Of Tamilnadu, Kalaignar.Dr.M.Karunanidhi.

Also seen in the picture below are writer Sri.T.Jayakanthan, who received the "Bharati award" and Isaignani Sri.Ilayaraja,who received the "M.S.Subbulakshmi award". (Dr.Padma Subramanyam was the recepient of the "Balasarasathi Award". - not seen in this picture)

Tiruvaiyaru - 23/1/2011

2011-02-08T11:18:00.003+05:30

This year's Aradhana was very special because it was a wonderful blessing for Vishruthi to sing at the Saint's Samadhi for the first time.

Accompanists were Sri.V.L.Kumar on the violin and Sri.Papanasam Kumar on Mridangam.

60th Birth Year Celebrations of Sringeri Jagadguru Mahaswamigal - 13/11/10

2011-02-01T10:22:00.006+05:30

On the occasion of the 60th Birth Year Mahotsavam Celebrations of Sringeri Jagadguru Sri Sri Bharathi Theertha Mahaswamigal 60 personalities from different fields were honoured at Meenakshi College For Women, Chennai on 13th November,2010.

Among musicians, Sri.Vijay Siva, Sri.Neyveli Santhanagopalan, Sri.Manoj Siva,Smt.S.Sowmya and I were honoured. It was a very memorable experience.

Guests of Honour were Dr.V.R.Gowrishankar(CEO and Administrator, Sri Sringeri Math), Hon'ble Justice Sri.R.S.Ramanathan (Judge, Madras High Court) and Sri.T.S.Krishnamurthy(Former Election Commissioner of India). Also seen in the picture is Miss.K.S.Lakshmi, Principal, Meenakshi College and an ardent devotee of Mahaswamigal. The college was the venue for a series of Pujas and Homams from 8th to 13th of November.

Bhubhaneshwar Tamizh Sangam - 16/1/11

2011-01-31T18:47:00.010+05:30

This concert was part of the Pongal Festival at Bhubaneshwar.

Accompanists were :
V.V.Ravi - Violin
Poongulam Subramanian - Mridangam

Chief guest for the occasion was Chief Secretary of Orissa, Sri.B.K.Patnaik. Guest of Honour was Sri.K.V.Rangaswami of L&T.

Photos taken with rasikas and office bearers of Tamizh Sangam:

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Lecture Demonstration at Music Academy - 23/12/10

2011-01-31T18:03:00.005+05:30

The topic I took up was "Textual Aspects in Margadarshi Seshayyangar's Compositions".

Margadarshi Seshayyangar was a pre-Trinity composer who lived in the mid-17th Century. He was a Sri Vaishnava Brahmin who lived in Srirangam and composed largely on Sri Ranganatha.

There were three pioneering composers who lived around this same time. Virabhadrayya left his mark on the musical form called Swarajatis, Govindasamayya on Tana varnams and Seshayyangar on Kriti form. All three were hence referred to as "Margadarshis".

The Muhanaprasa Antyaprasa Vyavastha of Maharaja Swati Tirunal is the primary reference that we have,regarding Seshayyangar's compositions. This treatise talks about Sabdalankaras in Sanskrit and there is a reference to 13 of Seshayyangar’s kritis by way of examples of prosody and alliteration. About 40 Kritis of Seshayyangar are available as on date. 13 others are unpublished and exist in manuscripts.

When we look at the melodic content in his compositions, we notice that most songs are of the pallavi-anupallavi-charanam type though some also have a pallavi followed by multiple charanams. There are some songs in which the melody of the last two lines of the charanam is the same as the anupallavi. A few Kritis have the anupallavi in madhyamakala. An example of this kind is rangapatE in Karnataka Kapi. Seshayyangar appears to have been an expert in Sanskrit for his songs indicate a vast vocabulary.

Seshayyangar was perhaps the first composer to modernise the previous structure of Kirthanas to Kritis and bring in the pallavi-anupallavi-charanam format into Kritis. There is also an extensive usage of Sabdalankaras in his compositions. These could have the reasons for the prefix "Margadarshi" to his name.

SabdAlankArAs and arthAlankArAs were taken up in detail for demonstration.

His compositions follow rules of
dvitIyAksharaprAsa,
antyaprAsa,
shrutyAnuprAsa,
chEkAnuprAsa,
paryAyOkti,
rUpaka alankAra,
muhana.

These were illustrated through the kritis Rangapate (Karnataka Kapi), Ranganayaka Bhujangasayana (Kedaragowla), Vande Vakulabharanam (Mukhari), Sarasadalanayana (Surutti), Anjaneya Paripaalaya (Mohanam).

Seshayyangar seems to have had an influence on later composers like Maharaja Swati Tirunal and the Trinity too.
His compositions offer huge scope for musicians and musicologists to understand the grammar and language to a great extent.

Dasavani 2011 - 12/1/11

2011-01-13T15:44:00.005+05:30

This concert was part of a series jointly organized by Sri LalithaKala Academy Foundation, Mysore and Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha, Chennai.

Theme was Dasa Sahitya Compositions.

Accompanists:

Akkarai Subhalakshmi - Violin
Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan - Mridangam
Sreesundar Kumar - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.Dhyana Sloka, followed by saranu janakana - bilahari - Adi - purandara dAsa (S)
2.pAlisamma muddhu shAradE - sriranjani - Adi(tisra) - purandara dAsa (S)
3.innudaya bAradE - kalyANavasantam - kanta cApu - purandara dAsa (R,N)
4.rAmAnujarE namO - pantuvarALi - Adi - kanakadAsa (R,S)
5.neenE dayALO - Anandabhairavi - misra cApu - purandara dAsa (R)
6.bhUshaNakke bhushaNa - shankarAbharaNam - kanta cApu - sripAdarAya (R,N,S,T)
7.chandrachooda - rAgamAlikA - Adi - purandaradAsa
8.tirupati vEnkataramaNA - hamsAnandi - Adi - purandaradAsa
9.ugAbhOga followed by yamanelli - sivaranjani - Adi - purandaradAsa
10.mangaLam - surutti - Adi - purandaradAsa

Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi (RTP)

2011-01-07T05:21:00.012+05:30

I have always had a great passion for singing Ragam-Tanam-Pallavis (RTPs) in my concerts.

The Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi is a musical form that is very unique to Carnatic Music. It is a form that offers a lot of scope for creativity. Anyone can compose a Pallavi line (with proper adherence to its grammar) and elaborate on it. Some Pallavis that past masters have composed and sung have become very popular and each artist portrays an elaboration of the same line in different ways, according to his or her own imagination.

I would neither claim myself to be an expert nor to be doing anything new. I would just call it my passion and courage (probably also weakness !!) to take up tough Pallavis, make an earnest attempt and present them to the best of my ability in my concerts.

(@ Mahesh - It is your comment on my previous post that has triggered off the idea of writing this post now :-))

Musicians of yesteryears have been a great source of inspiration in the kinds of Pallavis that they have taken up and the way they have handled them.

One of my greatest source of inspiration has been my Guru, Padma Bhushan Sangeetha Kalanidhi, Madurai Sri.T.N.Seshagopalan. The plethora of innovations he brings in, while singing Pallavis, the way he develops the alapana and the tAnam has always amazed me ! A true genius of this century..

Contemporary musicians (young and senior) have been exemplary in their presentation of RTPs and listening to each of them has always been a learning experience, according to me. I am not taking any names here, as the list would go on and on :-)

I always believe that a RTP should be aesthetically appealing and pleasing. I would never to go into too much of mathematics, which would make the ear "tired". I always try to maintain a good balance. Even the calculations that are done should be appealing and done with a lot of poise. According to me, an artist who can present a complex Pallavi and at the same time, make it sound easy to the listeners is the real artist.

It is a misnomer that Pallavis always have to be complex. Easy pallavis can definitely be taken up and the individual's numerous ways of interpretation of the same can go on and on. This is precisely why we call it a creative art form.

Just to name a few Pallavi types - Nadai pallavis, KaLai pallavis, Pallavis in multiple Talas,Nadais and Ragas, dwi-Avarthana Pallavis, madhyama Kala Pallavis, Pallavis with the raga names intelligently woven into the lyrics - such varieties are numerous.

I would personally internalize every RTP that I sing and make it my "own" before I present it on stage. It is not always true that musicians practise a RTP for weeks or months together before presenting it on stage. Internalizing its structure is the key. Once we get this into our system, the vast scope that each RTP could offer can be mind-boggling !
Each of these three components - Ragam, Tanam and Pallavi is a vast subject by itself.
Ragam - If we take the Raga Alapana, the raga exposition can be done in different stages. Recordings of past masters like GNB, Alathur Brothers,MLV,DKP,SKR (to name just a few) are excellent examples of how to develop the Alapana stage by stage. This area,by itself, offers a vast scope for creativity.

Tanam - Tanam singing is another art by itself. Syllables to be used while singing the Tanam, the permutations and combinations of these syllables used - all play an important role and at the same time,it should be appealing to the ear.

Pallavi - The Pallavi line is sung 2 or 3 times, for the accompanists and the audience to first get familiar with the particular line. Then a detailed Neraval is sung.
Neraval singing for Kritis is different from singing Neraval for a Pallavi. The words of the Pallavi should always fall at the same place in the Talam without deviation while singing the neraval. At the same time, the musician has to give a lot of varieties - by filling in the gaps and singing neraval at different speeds to avoid monotony. Singing an appealing Neraval is an art by itself.

After this, the Trikalam, Anulomam and Pratilomam are done. This is followed by Kalpanaswaras. This again is an area which offers a lot of scope. And of course, the Ragamalika Swaras sung towards the end is something that everyone looks forward to !

I am not going into the technicalities of these here. I am just reiterating the fact that any RTP should be complete, with proper focus and time allotted for each of the above aspects.

Earlier concerts used to be for a minimum duration of 4-5 hours. This gave the musician to sing the RTP at a very leisurely pace, giving ample time for the raga alapana to be sung and explored in various stages, sing an extensive Tanam and develop the Pallavi in all possible aspects.

I suppose singing a RTP these days can be more challenging, because one tries to bring in all these above mentioned aspects within the limited time available. For instance, in a 2.5 hour concert, I would personally set aside a clear 50-55 minutes for the RTP. Giving all the ingredients within this timeframe as a capsule requires a lot of mental planning. One must know where to stop ! I try singing as many varieties as I can while developing the pallavi and bring out as many possibilites as I can.

Role of Accompanists while presenting a RTP : I give a lot of importance to this aspect. When all artists take up the challenge and present the RTP, it is a very enjoyable experience. It is never a one-man show. I have been very fortunate in the sense that, all my accompanists play very earnestly for the RTPs that I sing. We share a lot of ideas on stage. If one of us comes up with a flash of an idea, the other artist takes the cue from there and we instantly improvise on it. On the whole, I find it very enjoyable. For instance, while I am singing the Neraval or Trikalam, I really like it if the Mridangist fills the gap with interesting patterns or flourishes without disturbing the flow of the lyrics.

One particular senior accompanist whom I have always admired and drawn inspiration from, is Sri.Mannargudi Eashwaran, for the kinds of replies that he gives while following a pallavi. I have heard him accompany my Guru on several occasions and his approach always amazes me. (This doesn't mean that I don't acknowledge other great percussionists or violinists - its just that I have had the opportunity to listen to Sri.Eashwaran on more occasions.)

While singing a RTP, minor mistakes do happen (atleast in my case!). We are after all humans, not robots ! A missed Karvai or an extra Karvai somewhere can result in the entire thing going haywire.
Earlier, maybe 10 yrs back, if I made a minor mistake somewhere in the calculations while singing the pallavi in a concert, the night after the concert would be a nightmare. I would keep tossing this way and that and the mistake used to haunt me for days together. To get rid of this, subsequently, with more experience, even if I made a small mistake, I always try and quickly calculate while the violinist plays his/her turn and attempt the same thing again and ensure that I get it right the next time! Of course one's aim would always be to present a flawless Pallavi, but at times we find ourselves in a tight spot and it requires a sharp, smart and alert mind to quickly wriggle out of such a situation !

I think it is the duty of every musician to educate the audience about the nuances of what we present in a RTP and to pass on this wonderful creative form to the future generations, in its purest form. I personally have never been able to accept RTPs sung and done away with, in just 15 or 20 minutes.

I have just quickly keyed down whatever ideas came to my mind now on this topic. I can go on talking about this subject but let me stop for now :-)

In every concert that I sing a Pallavi, I just take a deep breath and embark on this wonderful, musical journey of singing RTPs :-)

Newspaper Reviews (Part 1/2) - December 2010

2011-01-05T19:29:00.011+05:30

Concert at Vani Mahal : 26/12/10 : Review in Tamizh Daily DINAMANI:

Concert at Nungambakkam Cultural Academy : 11/12/10 : Review in Tamizh Daily DINATHANDHI:

Concert at Shanthi Arts Foundation : 10/12/10 : Review in Tamizh Daily DINAMALAR:

HAPPY NEW YEAR - 2011

2011-01-01T20:03:00.002+05:30

It seems like I wished everyone just a few days back at the dawn of 2010 and I just can't believe that one more year has gone by !

We are now into the next year - with a lot of dreams and goals for the forthcoming years.

Wishing all my friends a very bright and prosperous New Year :-)

A quick recap of my concerts during December Music Season 2010:
The first 10 days of December were dampened by the never-ending rains in Chennai.

My concert that had been scheduled on the 5th got cancelled due to the rains. The first concert was on the 7th at Meenakshi College - jugalbandi with Smt.Lakshmi Sriram. This is the first time I am doing a jugalbandhi at this venue. The previous years there have been with Padmasri Haridwaramangalam A.K.Palanivel accompanying me on the Tavil. Rains didn't deter the Rasikas from attending the concerts and our Jugalbandhi concert had a very good attendance inspite of the rains lashing 24*7.

After this were concerts at venues like Sastri hall, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore Fine Arts,Vani Mahal, Music Academy, to name a few.

For the first time I gave a lecture Demonstration at the Music Academy during the Music Season and it was a great experience.

The Sangeetha Sandhippu - informal chat with Rasikas was great fun.

I sang two complex ragam -tanam -pallavis - one at the Mylapore Fine Arts and the other at the Music Academy.

I must thank all rasikas who attended all my concerts and gave me their valuable feedback. Personally, it was a very enriching December for me.

I didn't realize when December began and when it ended :-) - time has just flown by !

I eagerly look forward to a great musical 2011 :-)

The Music Academy - 31/12/10

2011-01-01T19:39:00.003+05:30

Ended the year 2010 with this concert.

Accompanists:

Smt.Anuradha Sridhar - Violin
A.S.Ranganathan - Mridangam
Papanasam Sethuraman - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varNam - kAmbhOji - ata - vadivElu
2.EkAmranAthEshwarENa - caturangiNi - Adi - muttuswAmi dIkshitar (R)
3.anudinamunu - bEgadA - rUpakam - rAmanathapuram srinivasa Iyengar (S)
4.mAl marugA shanmugA - vasantA - Adi - pApanAsam sivan
5.tanayuni brOva - bhairavi - Adi - tyAgarAja (R,N,S)
6.sadAnandamayI - hindOlam - sankeerNa matyam - UthukAdu vEnkatakavi
7.RTP - latAngI - tisra triputa (4 kaLai) followed by Tani
8.rAgamAlikA slOkam followed by pravisha rAdhE - ashtapadI
9.ponnAr mEniyanE - tEvAram

Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha - 26/12/10

2011-01-01T19:30:00.004+05:30

Concert at Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Auditorium, Vani Mahal

Accompanists:

Dr.Hemalatha - Violin
A.S.Ranganathan - Mridangam
Papanasam Sethuraman - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.vAtApi gaNapathim - hamsadhwani - Adi - muttuswAmi dIkshitar (S)
2.mA dayai - vasantA - Adi - pApanAsam sivan
3.sri vEnkata girisham - surutti - Adi - muttuswAmi dIkshitar (R)
4.ammarAvammA - kalyANi - kanta cApu - tyAgarAjA (R,N,S)
5.mAyamma - Ahiri - Adi - syAma sAstri
6.saravanabhavA - pasupatipriyA - Adi - muthiah bhAgavatar
7.sri subramanyAya namastE - kAmbhOji - rUpakam - muttuswAmi dIshitar (R,N,S,T)
8.chuttum vizhi - rAgamAlikA - tisra Adi - subramanya bhAratiyAr
9.virutham followed by kalyANagOpAlam - sindhubhairavi - kanta cApu -nArAyaNateerthar
10.tillAnA - nirOshtA - Adi - Padma Bhushan Madurai Sri.T.N.Seshagopalan
11.mangaLam

Shringeri Sharadha Temple - 25/12/10

2011-01-01T19:21:00.003+05:30

Accompanists were Melakkaveri Thyagarajan on Violin, B.Sivaraman on Mridangam and Alathur Rajaganesh on Kanjira.

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varNam- bEgadA -Adi (S)
2.nAdasudhA rasa - Arabhi - rUpakam (S)
3.kalyANarAma - hamsanAdam - Adi - Uthukkadu vEnkatakavi
4.telisirAma - pUrNachandrikA - Adi - tyAgarAja
5.sukhi evvarO - kAnadA - Adi - tyAgarAjA (R,S)
6.pAdamE tuNai - valaji - Adi - pApanAsam sivan
7.endhuku pedhala - shankarAbharaNam - Adi - tyAgarAjA - (R,N,S,T)
8.ArabhimAnam - rAgamAlikA - Adi
9.tillAnA- rEvati - misra chApu - lalgudi Jayaraman
10.mangaLam

Sangeetha Sandhippu - Coffee chat with Rasikas

2011-01-01T18:52:00.006+05:30

Carnatica had organized a Sangeetha Sandhippu - Coffee chat for artists with rasikas.

Smt.Vasundhara Rajagopal and I had an informal chat session with rasikas on the 20th of December at Sangeetha Restaurant, R.A.Puram.

One hour was too short :-)

It was very lively with a lot of participation and questions from the audience.

Nisha Rajagopal (Vasundhara's daughter) joined Vasundhara for a song and on a request from Nivedita(anchor for the program), Vishruthi came on to the stage and we sang a song together.

A good, novel concept by Carnatica for artists to interact with Rasikas :-)

Valayapatti Nadhalaya Trust - 24/12/10

2011-01-01T18:19:00.004+05:30

Accompanists:

V.V.S.Murari - Violin
Bangalore.V.Krishna - Mridangam
Nerkunam Shankar - Kanjira

Song List: (R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varNam - pantuvarALi - Adi (S)
2.I vasudhA - sahAnA - Adi - tyAgarAjA
3.yArO ivar yArO - sAvEri - Adi - aruNAchala kavi
4.azhagA azhagA - sudhdhadhanyAsi - kanta cApu - ambujam krishnA (R,S)
5.bhuvanEshwariyA - mOhanakalyANi - Adi - muthiah bhAgavatar (R)
6.chakkani rAja - karaharapriyA - Adi - tyAgarAjA (R,N,S,T)
7.kAkkai chiraginilE - brindAvanasArangA - Adi - subramaNya bhAratiyAr
8.tambUri meetidava - sindhubhairavi - Adi - purandara dAsar
9.tillAnA - madhuvanti - Adi - lAlgudi jayarAman

Mylapore Fine Arts - 21/12/10

2010-12-22T00:45:00.004+05:30

Accompanists:

V.Sanjeev - Violin
Poongulam Subramanian - Mridangam
Madipakkam Murali - Ghatam

Song List: (R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. varnam - AbhOgi - Adi(S)
2. virutham, puLLin silambina kAN - misra cApu - AndAl tiruppAvai
3. vanadurgE - vanaspati - rUpakam - harikEsanallUr muthiah bhAgavatar (R,S)
4. ninnu cheppa - mandAri - Adi - patnam subramanya iyer (N,S)
5. manasu vishaya - nAtakurinji - Adi - tyAgarAjA (R,N,S,T)
6. vAnchatO - karNaranjani - Adi (tisra) - harikEsanallUr muthiah bhAgavatar
7. RTP - shanmukhapriya - tisra triputa (misra nadai)
8. smara vAram - jOg - Adi - sadAsiva brahmEndra
9. virutham, karuNai deivamE - sindubhairavi - Adi
10. tillAnA - kamAs - Adi - lalgudi
11. mangaLam

Bharat Kalachar - 18/12/10

2010-12-21T23:39:00.004+05:30

Accompanists:
Mysore Srikanth - Violin
Poongulam Subramanian - Mridangam
Sree Sundarkumar - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. varnam - vasantA - Adi (S)
2. virutham, Ongi ulagaLanda - Arabhi - AndAL tiruppAvai
3. needayarAdhA - vasantabhairavi - rUpakam - tyAgarAjA (R,S)
4. nannu brOva - AbhOgi - Adi - tyAgarAjA
5. OdOdi vandEn - dharmavati - Adi - ambujam krishnA (R,S)
6. idadhu padam - kamAs - Adi - pApanAsam sivan
7. rAma kathA sudhA - madhyamAvati - Adi - tyAgarAjA (R,N,S,T)
8. jaya jayati jaya - pantuvarALi - misracApu - traditional bhajan
9. virutham, tirupati vEnkataramaNA - hamsAnandi - Adi - purandara dAsA

Karthik Fine Arts - 15/12/10

2010-12-16T13:27:00.003+05:30

Concert held at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore.

Accompanists:

Sri.Mysore Srikanth - Violin
Sri.J.Vaidyanathan - Mridangam
Sri.Guruprasanna - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varnam - bhairavi - ata
2.nEnedhu - karnAtaka behAg - tyAgarAjA (S)
3.vAnchathOnu - karNaranjani - muthiah bhAgavatar (R)
4.parAkela nannu - kEdAragowla - Adi - syAmA sAstri (R,S)
5.EkAmranAtham bhajEham - gamakakriyA - Adi - muttuswAmi dIkshitar (R,N,S,T)
6.virutham (rAgamAlikA) followed by muruganin marupeyar - behAg - Kanta cApu
7.gOpi gOpAla - gamanAshramam - tisra Adi - sUrdAs
8.tiruppugazh - surutti

Nungambakkam Cultural Academy - 11/12/10

2010-12-16T13:16:00.005+05:30

Venue : Rama Rao Kala Mantap, T.Nagar

Accompanists:

Sri.B.U.Ganeshprasad - Violin
Sri.Ganapathiraman - Mridangam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varnam - tOdi - Adi
2.Swagatham Krishna - Mohanam - Tisra Adi - Uthukkadu Venkatakavi
3.mahAvishnu sOdari - Anandhabhairavi - rUpakam - muthiah bhAgavatar (R,S)
4.teliyalEru rAmA - dEnukA - Adi
5.parAtparA - vAchaspati - Adi - pApanAsam sivan (R,N,S)
6.dArini telusukonti - sudhdhasAvEri - Adi - tyAgarAjA
7.sri rAjagOpAla - sAvEri - Adi - muttuswAmi dIkshitar (R,N,S,T)
8.jagajjanani - ratipatipriyA - Adi
9.virutham,chandiran oLiyil - chandrakouns - misrachApu - subramanya bhAratiyAr
10. tillAnA - sindhubhairavi - Adi - Uthukkadu Venkatakavi

Shanthi Arts Foundation and Endowments - 10/12/10

2010-12-16T11:15:00.007+05:30

This concert was held at Srinivasa Sastri Hall, Luz. This series was part of the Global GNB Birth Centenary Celebrations.

Accompanists:
Sri.M.A.Krishnaswamy - Violin
Sri.Mannarkoil.J.Balaji - Mridangam
Sri. Anirudh Athreya - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. varnam -AndOlikA - Adi - G.N.Balasubramaniam (S)
2. saraseeruhAsanapriyE - nAta - Adi - puliyUr Duraisamy Iyer
3. bAgAyanayya - chandrajyOti - Adi - tyAgarAjA (R)
4. tanavAri - bEgadA - Adi - tyAgarAjA
5. sivAnanda kAmavardhani - kAmavardhani - G.N.Balasubramaniam (R,N,S)
6. virutham follwed by AdAdu asangAdhu - madhyamAvati - Adi - UthukAdu Venkatakavi
7. intha sowkhya - kApi - Adi - tyAgarAjA (R,N,S,T)
8. virutham(TirunAvukkarasar tEvAram) - rAgamAlikA followed by
eppO varuvArO - jOnpuri - Adi - gOpAlakrishna Bharati
9.mangaLam

Jugalbandhi at Meenakshi College - 7/12/10

2010-12-16T10:50:00.007+05:30

This was my first concert for the December Music Season, 2010. Concert on the 5th got cancelled because of the incessant rains in Chennai.

Smt. Lakshmi Sreeram (Hindustani Vocal) and I gave a Jugalbandhi concert under the auspices of Meenakshi Sundararajan Trust, Chennai.

Accompanists:
Sri.M.A.Krishnaswamy - Violin
Sri.Neyveli Skandasubramaniam - Mridangam
Sri.Viresh Madri - Harmonium
Sri.Suresh - Tabla

Song List:

1. First Raga presented was Hamsadhwani.
I sang Vara Vallabha Ramana, a composition of Sri.G.N.Balasubramaniam.
The kalpana swara session was more of a conversation between the Carnatic and Hindustani styles.

2. Next Lakshmi presented the Raag Puryadhanasri. She sang Payaliya Jhankar in Teental. Here again, I joined in a few places with the Carnatic version of the same, namely, Pantuvarali.

3. The main item in the Carnatic style chosen for this concert was Abheri. I sang Nagumomu Ganaleni of Sri Tyagaraja and during the Raga Alapana and Kalpana Swaras, it was again an exchange of ideas between the two of us.

After the Tani Avartanam by Skandasubramaniam, Lakshmi sang the composition Ja ja Re in Bhimplas.

4. The main item in the Hindustani style taken up by Lakshmi was Bihag. She presented two compositions, namely, Aada Siva Shankara in Jhaptal and a Tarana in Teental.

I sang next, a composition of Sri.Gopalakrishna Bharati in Behag - Irakkam Varamal.

5. The fifth Raga was Revati. I sang Jayadeva's Ashtapadi Samudita Madane.

6. Lakshmi finished with an Abhang in the raga Deshkar.

The December Music Season

2010-12-03T11:01:00.020+05:30

2010 December Music Season :

20 December Music Seasons have gone by and this is going to be the 21st December Music Season for me :-))
It suddenly occured to me that I should briefly pen down a few thoughts on the past 20 years of my career.

My debut in the Music Season was in December 1990.

Looking back at these 20 years:

First ever December Season Concert was under the auspices of Karthik Fine Arts - 22nd December 1990.

(I was just out of school that year and into my first year at Meenakshi College..)

Starting from the afternoon slots in the first few years, I came into the "early evening" slots in the subsequent years and now presently in the prime evening slots..

Till 1995, my December concerts would invariably be combined with semester exams at college :-)

There have been many awards and honors in the past Music Festivals..

Press reviews: The last 20 years have seen several accolades, praise and bashings too :-). Over the years, I have learnt to take everything into my stride.

(This was in December 1999 - my 10th December Music Season.)

Each year has been a learning experience. Planning each concert requires a lot of thought, including selection of compositions to suit the occasion, managing the time and presenting my best in the given 2 or 2.5 hours. These 20 years have been wonderful in this context as well.

Artists always have goals and dreams. My journey through these years has always been towards my goal and it will continue.. Some dreams have got fulfilled, some dreams have remained unfulfilled till date :-)

((This was in December 2009 - my 20th December Music Season.)

One thing that has always remained constant over all these years is my belief in God, belief in hard work and support from well-wishers. I always begin the Season with my humble Pranams to all my Gurus, who have been the inspiration and guiding light for me all along.

I am looking forward to my 21st year's Music Season with the good wishes of all Rasikas :-)

God willing, I will probably be writing on the same blog 20 years hence, and see how the progress has been at that milestone :-)

Navarathri 2010 - "SANGEETHA SHAKTI ULAA"

2010-10-19T22:49:00.051+05:30

This year's theme was "Sangeetha Shakti Ulaa". I have always believed in having a specific theme for my Kolu, instead of having just a random display of dolls. Also, every year, guests who come home during Navarathri get to know something new about the concept chosen.

The traditional Kolu:

ABOUT THE THEME:

சங்கீத சக்தி உலா :

அம்பாள் தான் ஞானம்.சத்-சித்-ஆனந்த என்று கேள்வி படுகிறோமே, அதில் சித் என்கிற பேரறிவான ஞானம் அம்பிகை தான். சைதன்ய ரூபிணி என்பார்கள். 'சிதேக ரஸ ரூபிணி' என்று லலிதா சஹஸ்ரநாமத்தில் சொல்லியிருக்கிறது.

ஆணவம், மாயை, கர்மம் என்று சொல்ல கூடிய பாசங்கள் நிறைந்த இவ்வுலகில் பிறவி என்பது இறைவனுடைய அருளால் நடக்கக் கூடிய ஒரு செயலாகும்.

ஆன்மாக்களாகிய நாம் அனைவரும் மனதால், வாக்கால், சரீரத்தால் இறைவனுக்கு தொண்டு செய்து அவனுடைய திருவடிகளில் சமர்பித்து அருள் பெறுவது என்பது எவ்வளவு பிறவி எடுத்தாலும் கிடைக்காத ஒன்றாகும். இச் செயல் நாம் போற்றக்கூடிய முத்துச்வாமி தீக்ஷிதர், த்யாகராஜர், சியாமா சாஸ்திரி, பாபநாசம் சிவன், நாயன்மார்கள், ஆழ்வார்கள், இன்னும் பல பெரிய வாக்கேயகாரர்கள் இறைவன்- இறைவிக்கு பல தொண்டுகளை செய்து அதன் மூலம் நமக்கு பெருமைகளையும் நல்ல வழிகளையும் பொக்கிஷமாக கொடுத்துள்ளனர். இதில் சக்தியை பற்றி பாடியவர்கள் பல உள்ளன.

Thus the theme takes up different forms of Shakti, as depicted by different Carnatic composers.

We begin with Bhagavathi.

பகவதி: சோட்டானிக்கரை பகவதி சரஸ்வதியாக காலையிலும், மதியம் லக்ஷ்மியாகவும், மாலையில் பார்வதியாகவும் வணங்கப் படுகிறாள்.

(Goddess Bhagavati in the centre.)

Thus unfolds the theme of Durga-Lakshmi-Saraswathi, as the Goddess is worshipped as Durga during the first 3 days of Navarathri, as Goddess Lakshmi during the next 3 days and as Goddess Saraswathi during the last 3 days of the festival.

ஒவ்வொரு ஆண்டும் புரட்டாசி மாதம் அமாவாசைக்கு மறுநாள் பிரதமை முதல் துவங்குவது தேவியின் வழிப்பாட்டுக்கு உகந்த நவராத்திரி. சிவாலயங்களில் அம்பிகைக்கு தனி பூஜை நடத்தி கொலு மண்டபத்தில் கொலு அமர்த்துவர்.

DURGA:

துர்க்கமன் என்ற அசுரனை வதம் செய்ததால் துர்க்கை என்று பெயர்.
"ஸ்வர்காபவர்க" - ஸ்வர்கத்தையும் மோக்ஷத்தையும் தருபவள்.

1. வனதுர்கே : முத்தையா பாகவதர் மகாராஜா கிருஷ்ண ராஜேந்திர உடையாரின் விருப்பத்திற்கிணங்க சாமுண்டேஸ்வரி மீது 108 அஷ்டோத்தர கீர்த்தனைகளை பாடினார். அதில் ஒரு கீர்த்தனை தான் வனஸ்பதி ராகத்தில் அமைந்த வனதுர்கே என்ற கிருதி.

(The face of the Goddess on the left is made out of wax mould and painted.)

2. ஸ்ரீ சாமுண்டேஸ்வரி : மைசூர் வாசுதேவாச்சார் அவர்கள் சாமுண்டேஸ்வரி மீது இயற்றிய பிலஹரி ராக கிருதி இது.

3. பராசக்தி : பராசக்தியே ! என்னை காப்பாற்ற கூடாதா, என்று த்யாகராஜ ஸ்வாமிகள் அம்பாளிடம் சாவேரி ராக கிருதியில் கெஞ்சுகிறார். அனாதி காலம் முதல் விளங்குபவளே ! அறம் வளர்த்து ஸ்ரீபுர அதீஸ்வரியாக வீற்றிருக்கும் அம்பிகையே ! ஹிமகிரி தனயே ! இந்திரன், பிரம்மன் முதலிய அனைவரும் உன் முக மலர்ச்சியை எதிர்பார்த்து தங்கள் கோரிக்கைகளை தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறார்கள்.

(Dolls seen in the above photo are Vishnudurga,Mahishaasuramardhini, Chamundeshwari and the photo is that of Sri.Mysore Vasudevachar.)

(The composers seen in the above photo are Sri.Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavatar(the color photo at the back), Sri.Periasamy Thooran for the Kriti Taaye Tripurasundari.)

LAKSHMI:

லக்ஷ்மி : செல்வத்துக்கு தேவதையாக இருக்கப் பட்டவள் மகாலட்சுமி.
மகாலக்ஷ்மியை எப்படி பிரார்த்திக்க வேண்டும் என்று சொல்லிக் கொடுக்கிற மாதிரி "கனகதாராஸ்தவம்" என்ற ஸ்தோத்ரம் அமைந்திருக்கிறது.

1. ஹிரண்மயீம் லக்ஷ்மீம் :

முத்துச்வாமி தீட்சிதர் திருவாரூரில் வாழ்ந்த சமயத்தில்தான் திருமகளின் திருவருளைப் பெரும் சம்பவம் அவர் வாழ்வில் நடந்தது. அதற்குக் காரணம் அவர் மனைவியின் ஆசை. அந்த ஆசைக்கு காரணம் அக்கம்பக்கத்து சூழல். பொருள் வேண்டிப் பாடுவோர் பலர் இருந்த காலம் அது. இறைவன் அருள் வேண்டி மட்டும் பாடிய அறிய பாவாணர்களில் ஒருவர் முத்துச்வாமி தீட்சிதர். அவரது மனைவிக்கு நகைகள் மீது ஆசை உண்டாயிற்று. தஞ்சை மன்னனைப் பார்த்து பேட்டி கொண்டால் நிறைய சன்மானமும் நிதிக்குவியல்கள் கிடைக்குமென்று யோசனையும் தெரிவித்தாள். தீட்சிதரும் தங்கமகளை போற்றிடும் பாடல் ஒன்றை லலிதா ராகத்தில் பாடினார் - "ஹிரண்மயீம் லக்ஷ்மீம்".

அன்று இரவு கனக மகள் சர்வாபரண பூஷிதையாய் தீட்சிதரின் மனைவிக்கு தரிசனம் கொடுத்தாள். ஆபரணங்கள் அனைத்தையும் கொடுத்து இவை போதுமா இன்னும் கொஞ்சம் வேண்டுமா என்று திகட்டும் படியாக கேட்டாள். தீட்சிதரின் மனைவி அந்த சந்தோஷ செய்தியை அவரிடம் தெரிவித்தாள். எனக்கு ஆபரணங்கள் மீது இனி ஆசையே இல்லை என்று கூறினாள்.
மகிழ்ந்த தீட்சிதர் தன்னைப் பெருமை படுத்திய வரலட்சுமியை போற்றி நன்றி கூறி மற்றொரு துதியைப் பாடினார் - "ஸ்ரீ வரலக்ஷ்மி"- செல்வங்களை அளிப்பவளும் அழகிய பத்ம பாதங்களையுடையவளும் ரசனைக்கு இருப்பிடமான அம்மா வரலக்ஷ்மியே உனக்கு நமஸ்காரம். மகிழ்வான புன்னகையும் மங்களமான பொன் நகையும் என் இல்லத்தில் சேர்ந்திருக்க அருள்வாயாக.

(The story at the back is the Kanakadhara story)

Other stories and songs depicted for Lakshmi are the Lakshmi-Kubera Puja, with the song Ksheerabdhi by Annamacharya and Bhagyada Lakshmi by Purandara Dasa) :

SARASWATHI:

காஞ்சிபுரத்தில் சரஸ்வதியின் அருள் விசேஷமாக சாநித்யம் பெற்றிருக்கிறது என்பதை மூகர் கூறுகிறார். ஊமையாக இருந்த மூகருக்கு சாக்ஷாத் காமாட்சியே வாக்தேவியாக வந்து அருளி அவர் மகா கவியான காமாட்சி ஆலயத்தில் எட்டு கைகளோடு கூடிய பரம சௌந்தர்யமான ஒரு சரஸ்வதிக்கு சந்நிதி உண்டு.
சரஸ்வதி பூஜை சரத் காலத்தில் நிகழ்வதால் "சாரதா நவராத்திரி" என்றும் சொல்லப் படுகிறது.
ஜபமாலையும் ஏட்டு சுவடியும் ஞானத்தை தெரிவிக்கிற அடையாளங்கள்.
சரஸ்வதி சகல கலா வாணி. வித்யா ஸ்வரூபிணி. வெள்ளை ஆடை தரித்தவள். சந்திரகலை தன் தலையில்.
1. சரஸ்வதி தயை நிதி : கூத்தனூர் சரஸ்வதியின் மீது சரஸ்வதி ராகத்தில் பாபநாசம் சிவன் அவர்கள் இயற்றிய கிருதி இது.
2. ஸாரஸ தள நயனே : முத்தையா பாகவதர் இயற்றிய சாரமதி ராக கிருதியில் சரஸ்வதி தேவியின் வர்ணனை மிக அழகு.

BHUVANESHWARI :

புவனேஸ்வரி : பாபநாசம் சிவன் அவர்கள் புவனேஸ்வரியை இந்த கிருதியில் பூஜிக்கிறார். "புவனேஸ்வரி பாதம் நினைந்து" - Ragam Begada

(The composer seen in this picture is Sri.Papanasam Sivan.)

RAJA RAJESHWARI :

ராஜ ராஜேஸ்வரி : ச்யாமா சாஸ்த்ரிகள் இயற்றிய நாட்டை ராக கிருதி "பாஹிமாம் ஸ்ரீ ராஜ ராஜேஸ்வரி"

(The composer doll seen in the picture is Syama Sastri.)

MARIAMMAN :

மாரியம்மன் : மஹாகவி சுப்பிரமணிய பாரதியார் உருகிப் பாடிய பாடல் "தேடி உன்னை சரண் அடைந்தேன் தேச முத்து மாரி"

(Mahakavi Subramanya Bharatiyar doll is seen)

KARPAGAMBAL :

கற்பகாம்பாள் : பாபநாசம் சிவன் அவர்கள் உருகி பாடிய மத்யமாவதி ராகத்தில் அமைந்த கிருதி "கற்பகமே கண் பாராய்"

(This peacock was done by Vishruthi using satin ribbons.)

The Goddess interpreted as GURU :

அம்பாள் தேசிக (குரு) ரூபத்தில் வந்து ஞானம் தருவதாக காளிதாசன் போன்றவர்கள் சொல்லியிருக்கிறார்கள் .
குறிப்பாக ஸ்பரிச தீக்ஷை, நயன தீக்ஷை, ஸ்மரண தீக்ஷை. இதில் ஒவ்வொன்றையும் அவள் ஒவ்வொரு ரூபத்தில் செய்வதாக சொல்வார்கள்.

KAMAKSHI - MEENAKSHI - VISAALAKSHI :

ஸ்பரிச தீக்ஷைக்கு குக்குட(கோழி) தீக்ஷை என்று இன்னொரு பெயர். கோழி முட்டை மேல் உட்கார்ந்து அதன் மேல் தன் ஸ்பரிசம் நன்றாக படும்படி அடைகாத்து குஞ்சு பொரிக்கிறது. இது தான் ஸ்பரிச தீக்ஷை. அதேபோல் குரு தன் சிஷ்யனை தொட்டு அவனுடைய அறியாமை ஓட்டைப் பிளக்கப் பண்ணுவது ஸ்பரிச தீக்ஷை. காமாக்ஷி பக்தனை ஸ்பரிசித்து அவன் தலையிலே பாதத்தை வைத்து ஞானியாக்கி விடுபவள். சௌந்தரய லஹரியில் ஆசார்யாள் அம்பாளிடம், 'வேதங்கள் தாங்கிக் கொண்டிருக்கிற உன் திருவடிகளை என் தலையில் தயையினால் வை அம்மா' என்று பிரார்த்திக்கிறார்.(84th sloka) - 'ச்ருதீநாம் மூர்தானோ'. காமாக்ஷி ச்பரிசமான குக்குட தீக்ஷையை அளிக்கிறாள்.

HIMADRI SUTHE - KALYANI -SYAMA SASTRI :

Anupallavi:

சுமேரு மத்ய வாஸினீம் - மேரு மலைகளுக்கு நடுவில் அமர்ந்திருப்பவள். சுமேரு எனும் தங்கமலை உலகத்தை தாங்கும் ஆதாரமாய் உள்ளது. இதன் நடுவில் முக்கோணம் போல் மூன்று சிகரங்கள் உள்ளன. இச் சிகரங்களுக்கு நடுவே அவற்றைவிட உயர்வாக நான்காவதாக ஒரு சிகரம் உள்ளது. தேவி உறையும் ஸ்ரீ நகரம் இச் சிகரத்தில் உள்ளது.

(Also seen in the photo are the Syama Sastri doll,the kalpavruksham and Kamadhenu.)

சதானந்தமயி (Ragam Hindolam) - "சிந்தாமணி கிரஹ வாசினி"
சிந்தாமணி கிரஹ விளக்கம் - 'சிந்தாமணி கிரஹச்தாயை நம:' - காமதேனு, கல்பவ்ருக்ஷம், சிந்தாமணி இவை மூன்றும் மனம் நினைப்பதை தந்து அருளும்.

VINAYAKUNI - MADHYAMAVATI - TYAGARAJAR :

மத்யமாவதி ராக கிருதியில் த்யாகராஜர் காமாட்சியிடம் தன்னை ரட்சிக்குமாறு வேண்டுகிறார்.
லலிதா சஹஸ்ரநாமத்தில் "தனுமத்யா" என்று அம்பாளுக்கு ஒரு பெயர் உண்டு.விநாயகரை ரட்சித்த மாதிரி என்னையும் காப்பாற்று என்கிறார் அவர்.

(Composer seen in this photo is Sri.Tyagaraja)

நயன தீக்ஷைக்கு மத்ஸ்ய (மீன்) தீக்ஷை என்றும் ஒரு பெயர். மீன் ஜலத்திற்க்குள் முட்டையிட்டு விட்டு பிரவாஹத்தில் மீன் ஒரு இடத்தில் நிற்காமல் சஞ்சாரம் செய்து கொண்டே இருக்கும். தாய் மீன் தன் கண்ணால் முட்டையை தீக்ஷையாக பார்க்குமாம். உடனே மீன் குஞ்சு வெளியே வந்து விடும். மீனாக்ஷி என்ற பெயரிலேயே மீன் இருப்பதால் அவளைத்தான் கடாக்ஷத்தாலேயே ஞான தீக்ஷை தரும் குருவாக சொல்லியிருக்கிறது .

1.தேவி மீன நேத்ரி - சியாமா சாஸ்த்ரிகள் இயற்றிய மீனாக்ஷி நவாவரண கிருதிகளில் ஒன்று இது. ராகம் சங்கராபரணம்.

2.மீனாக்ஷி மேமுதம் : கமகக்ரிய ராகத்தில் மிக அழகான கிருதி இது. முத்துச்வாமி தீட்சிதர் அவர்கள் இயற்றியது.
கதம்ப வன சஞ்சாரி, மலயத்வஜ பாண்டியரின் புதல்வி. கதம்ப மரத்தால் சூழப்பட்டு இருக்கும் மதுரை. ஆகையால் மதுரைக்கு கதம்பவனம் என்று பெயர்.

(Composer seen in this photo is Sri. Muttuswami Dikshitar.)

கமட (ஆமை) தீக்ஷை: ஆமை கரைக்கு வந்து முட்டையிட்டு விட்டு தண்ணீர்க்குள்ளே போய் விடுமாம். ஆனாலும் அது முட்டை குஞ்சு ரூபமாக நல்லபடி பொரிய வேண்டுமே என்ற சிந்தனையாகவே இருக்குமாம். உடனே குஞ்சு வெளியே வந்து விடும். காசியிலே இருக்கிற விசாலாக்ஷி பக்தர்களை அனுக்ரஹ சிந்தையோடு நினைத்தே ஞானம் அளிக்கும் கமட தீக்ஷை குருவாயிருக்கிறார். தாயாரே குருவாக ஞானப்பால் ஊட்டுகிறார்.

1. அன்னபூர்ணே விசாலாக்ஷி : சியாமா ராக கிருதியில் முத்துச்வாமி தீட்சிதர் விசாலாட்சியை பிரார்த்திக்கிறார்.

GOWRI PUJA:

This is famous in Karnataka and bangles find an important place in this puja.

Other handicrafts that were featured in the Kolu:

(Paintings done by Vishruthi and the plate decoration done by Vishvesh)

(Pot paintings and jewel boxes done by Vishruthi and Vishvesh)

(Rangoli and Kolams done by Vishruthi)

(Top water rangoli done by Vishruthi)

Goddess decorated with Nel (arisi) :

The photo below shows a special lamp which symbolises Durga-Lakshmi-Saraswathi. Underneath the lamp are, again, handicrafts made by Vishruthi and Vishvesh:

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PRIZES THAT OUR KOLU HAS WON THIS YEAR:

1. One among the top 10 Kolus chosen by Adyar Times:

2. RAJ TV : BEST KOLU OF THE DAY PRIZE

3. BANK OF BARODA KOLU CONTEST

4. "INFORMATIVE KOLU" AWARD from Sumukhi Rajasekharan Memorial Foundation, Chennai

5. HINDU DOWNTOWN KOLU KONDATTAM 2010 :

(2nd runner-up in the Adyar Zone.)

Kamakshi Amman Temple - Coimbatore - 15/10/10

2010-10-17T07:21:00.003+05:30

This concert was held during Navarathri at Kamakshi Amman Temple, R.S.Puram.

Accompanists:
Sri.V.V.Ravi - Violin
Sri.Poongulam Subramanian - Mridangam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.ambOruha - Ranjani varnam - Adi - G.N.Balasubramanian
2.sivakAmasundari - jaganmOhini - rUpakam - gOpAlakrishna bhArati (S)
3.enadhu manam - harikAmbhOji - Adi - pApanAsam sivan
4.mAmava sadA janani - kAnadA - rUpakam - swAti tirunAL(R)
5.ambA neelAyathAkshi - neelAmbari - Adi - muttuswAmi dIkshitar
6.vAnchatOnu - karnaranjani - tisra Adi - harikEsanallur muthiah bhAgavatar
7.ammarAvammA - kalyANi - kanta cApu - tyAgarAjar (R,N,S)
8.neerajAkshi kAmAkshi - hindOlam - rUpakam - muttuswAmi dIkshitar
9.caraNam vijayasaraswati - vijayasaraswati - Adi - harikEsanallur muthiah bhAgavatar
10. pAlintsu kAmAkshi - madhyamAvati - Adi - syAma sAstri (R,N,S,T)
TukkadAs

Oothukkadu Venkatakavi Trust - 1/10/10

2010-10-17T07:12:00.005+05:30

This concert was held by the Oothukkadu Venkatakavi Trust at Dakshinamoorthy Auditorium, P.S.High School.

Accompanists:
Sri.Mysore Srikanth - Violin
Sri.Poongulam Subramanian - Mridangam
Sri.Anirudh Athreya - Kanjira

Song List: (R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. srI ganEshwara - shanmukhapriyA - Adi
2. nAn enna tavam - kamAs - Adi (R,S)
3. tAyE yashOdA - tOdi - Adi
4. vAnchasi yadi - kalyANi - Adi (R)
5. needAn mechikoLLa - SrIranjani - Adi
6. AdAdu asangAdu - madhyamAvati - Adi (R,N,S,T)
7. vandhu kEtpAr - rAgamAlikA - Adi
8. tillAnA - sindubhairavi - Adi

All India Radio Navarathri Concert - AIR Studios - 30/9/10

2010-10-17T06:56:00.002+05:30

This concert was held in the mini hall inside the AIR studios. It was a nice hall with excellent ambience and a sizeable audience too.

All kritis presented in this concert were on Goddess Saraswathi (Navarathri Special Concert) and this concert was broadcast on Madras 'A' yesterday morning, on the auspicious Saraswathi Puja Day.

Accompanists:

Dr M.Narmada - Violin
Sri.Trivandrum Vaidyanathan - Mridangam
Sri.Meenakshisundaram - Kanjira

Song List: (R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. Virutham from sakalakalA valli mAlai followed by sarasIruhAsana - nAttai - Adi - puliyUr duraiswAmi Iyer
2. saraswati namOstutE - saraswati - G.N.Balasubramanian -rUpakam (N,S)
3. sArasa daLa nayanE - sAramati - harikEsanallur muthiah bhAgavatar - Adi (R)
4. kalAvati kamalAsana - kalAvati - muttuswAmi dIkshitar
5. sarasija BhavajAyE - kalyANi - rUpakam - UthukkAdu vEnkatasubbier (R,N,S,T)
6. veLLai tAmarai - BhimplAs - Adi - mahAkavi subramanya BhArathiyAr

Papanasam Sivan Rasikar Manram - Narada Gana Sabha - 29/9/10

2010-10-17T06:46:00.003+05:30

All kritis presented in this concert were compositions of Sri.pApanAsam sivan.

Accompanists:

Smt. Padma Shankar - Violin
Sri.Poongulam Subramanian - Mridangam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. swAmi nAn undan - nAttaikurinji(Varnam) - Adi (S)
2. mA dayai - vasantA - Adi (R)
3. sAmajavara gamanA - madhyamAvati - Adi (R)
4. piravA varam - latAngi - Adi (R,N,S)
5. sri valli dEvasenApatE - natabhairavi - Adi
6. bhuvaneshwari pAdam - bEgadA - rUpakam
7. kunram kudi - tOdi - Adi (R,N,S,T)
8. kaNNanai paNi - shanmukhapriyA - Adi
9. kannE En kanmaniyE - kurinji - tisra Adi
10. sri rAma jaya mangaLam - surutti - Adi

Narada Gana Sabha, Oothukadu Venkatakavi Day - 24/9/10

2010-10-17T06:34:00.004+05:30

I am posting details about last month's concerts after a slight delay, nevertheless thought I would do it atleast now.

This concert was held at Narada Gana Sabha Main Hall. It was Oothukkadu Venkatakavi Day.

Accompanists:

Sri.V.V.Ravi - Violin
Sri.Poongulam Subramanian - Mridangam
Sri.Trichy Murali - Ghatam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1. praNavAkAram - Arabhi - Adi (S)
2. kannai tirandhu pAr - bilahari - Adi
3. nAda muraLi gAna - hamIrkalyANi - tisra Adi (R)
4. sadAnandamayi - hindOLam - sankeerna matyam (R)
5. kalyANarAma - hamsanAdam - Adi (R,N,S,T)
6. muddukrishnA - senjurutti - Adi
7. eppadithAn - neelAmbari - Adi
8. tillAnA - sindhubhairavi - Adi

5.

Jugalbandhi Concert Review in HINDU - 24/9/10

2010-09-24T06:31:00.003+05:30

Jugalbandhi Concert on 27th of August under the auspices of Hamsadhwani :

You can go the following link to see a review of the above concert in today's Hindu newspaper:http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/09/24/stories/2010092451090200.htm

Jugalbandhi at Hamsadhwani - 27/8/10

2010-09-08T17:36:00.008+05:30

Lakshmi Sreeram and I consider it a great privilege to have performed during the 20th Anniversary celebrations of the renowned Sabha Hamsadhwani, in Chennai.

Sri.Y.Prabhu, Secretary of Sri Krishna Gana Sabha was felicitated on this occasion.

Accompanists for the concert:

Sri.V.Sanjeev - Violin
Sri.B.Ganapathiraman - Mridangam
Sri.Viresh Madri - Harmonium
Sri.Suresh - Tabla

Lakshmi and I have always wanted our Jugalbandi concerts to be interesting and innovative.

RAgAs presented in the concert:

In this concert,we took up raga combinations which sound very similar and allied,but at the same time, which have very distinct features in the two respective traditions.

mAyAmALagowlA-bhairav:

I began with the kriti mErusamAna, a composition of Saint tyAgarAja. Lakshmi then sang the composition bhor bhayilawa in bhairav set to teentaal. While she sang swarAs, I joined and sang swarAs for mErusamAna. We did a few rounds of this, taking turns.

Next we took up the rAga pair
naLinakAnti-tilak kAmOd:

I sang nee pAdamE gati in naLinakAnti, a composition of Sri.GNB.
Lakshmi sang the composition bamana re, eka saguna vicharoon in tilak kAmOd, set to teentaal.

bhAgEsree :

While bhAgEsree is a major rAgA in the hindustAni tradition,it is a minor rAga in the carnatic style.
This was the major raga that Lakshmi took up in the concert. During her elaboration I joined in a few places with a few phrases of bhAgEsree. After her detailed exposition of two compositions(first one was sakhi mana laage naa in vilambit teentaal and the second one was na dAro rangA in drut ektaal), I sang nArAyaNa theerthar's tarangam gOvindamiha in bhAgEsree.

kalyANi- yaman:

This was the major rAga that I took up.I sang a detailed AlApanA of kalyANi wherein again she came in with a few phrases of yaman. After this,Lakshmi sang a composition(eri aali piya bina set to teentaal) in yaman. Subsequently I sang tyAgarAjA's masterpiece EthAvunarA with detailed neraval. During kalpanAswarAs she again joined and we finished this combination with a tani by Ganapathiraman and Suresh.

Four contrasting ragAs chandrakouns-kAmbhOji-bhatiyAr-Ahirbhairav:

We took up verses from krishnAshtakam and presented them alternatively.She first sang Chandrakouns,I then sang the next couple of lines in kAmbhOji. She followed with the next 2 lines in bhatiyAr and I finished with Ahirbhairav.

वसुदेवसुतम् देवम् कम्सचाणूर मर्दनम् |
देवकी परमानन्दम् कृष्णम् वन्दे जगद्गुरुम् ||

अतसी पुष्पसंकाशं हार नूपुर शोभितम् |
रत्नकंकण केयू्रं कृष्णम् वन्दे जगद्गुरुम् ||

कुटिलालक संयुक्तम् पूर्णचंद्रं निभाननम् |
विलसत् कुण्डलधरम् देवम् कृष्णम् वन्दे जगद्गुरुम् ||

श्रीवत्सांकं महोरस्कं वनमाला विराजितम् |
शंखचक्रधरं देवम् कृष्णम् वन्दे जगद्गुरुम् ||

I sang jayadevar's ashtapadi nAtha harE in Ahirbhairav. She followed with a kabIr bhajan suntA hai guru gyaani.

We ended with behAg-bihAg:

I sang a tillAnA of pApanAsam sivan in bEhAg.
She sang a tarana set to teentaal.

Hindu Friday Review-Bangalore Edition, 3/9/10

2010-09-03T07:49:00.005+05:30

Check out this link:

http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/09/03/stories/2010090350850300.htm

KVIIT Alumni Event - 14/8/10

2010-08-23T12:29:00.010+05:30

Saturday,14th of August saw a grand Inter-school cultural event organized by the Alumni Association of KVIIT.

It always gives me great pleasure to visit my school and this was the first time that I saw the renovated building and the new auditorium.

Mr.PV.Rao and I were the chief guests for the inauguration of the cultural event.

(Picture quality is poor :-()

There was a good turn-out of students from various schools.

(In the picture from Left to right: Tirupal,P.V.Rao Sir, myself,Mrs.Amudha,Sameer)

Tamizh Isai Vizha - 21/8/10

2010-08-23T12:12:00.004+05:30

This concert was part of a 3-day series organized jointly by Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sabha and Saraswathi Vaggeyakara Trust. It took place at R.K.Swamy Hall, Mylapore.

The theme given to me was Post-Trinity Tamizh compositions. I tried to cover as many composers as I could.

Accompanists were
Dr.R.Hemalatha - Violin
Neyveli Skandasubramanian - Mridangam
K.V.Gopalakrishnan - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.mA dayai-vasantA-Adi-pApanAsam sivan (S)
2.edayyA gati-chalanAta-Adi-kOteeswara iyer
3.Ananda natam-pUrvikalyANi-rUpakam-neelakanta sivan (R,S)
4.ekkAlathilum-nAtakurinji-rUpakam-rAmaswamy sivan (R,N)
5.tAyE tripurasundari-sudhasAvEri-kanta cApu-periasAmi tooran
6.manadirkkisaindha-shankarAbharaNam-Adi-harikEsanallUr muthiah bhAgavatar (R,N,S,T)
7.sAgA varam aruLvAi-varamu-misra cApu-mahAkavi subramanya bhAratiyAr
8.tunbam nErgayil-dEsh-Adi-bhAratidAsan
9.dasAvatAra mangaLam-sourAshtram-misra cApu-ambujam krishnA

"Shiva-Shakti"- Thematic Double CD Album

2010-08-17T17:58:00.007+05:30

This album of mine was released on the 13th of August.

About the album:

This CD is being marketed by Swathi Soft Solutions.

The theme is "Shiva-Shakti" and it focuses exclusively on the deities at Kanchipuram - Devi Kamakshi and Lord Ekamreshwara.

Kanchipuram is one of the seven most sacred places of worship in our country.

Lord Ekamreshwara and Devi Kamakshi,enshrined in separate temples in this city are adored by thousands of devotees from all over the country and abroad.

Kanchipuram is one of the "Pancha Bhoota Sthala"s where Lord Shiva is worshipped as "Prithvi Lingam " symbolising the Element Earth. Just the thought of Ekamreshwara gives liberation - aptly praised by Sri Muttuswami Dikhitar in his monumental Kriti "Chintaya maakanda" in Bhairavi.All the four tamizh saints(nalvar) have sung in praise of Lord Ekamreshwara of Kanchipuram.

Devi Kamakshi,the presiding deity of Kanchipuram is one of the most famous shrines of The Goddess in the country.Devi is worshipped in "Sri Chakra"and this temple is closely associated with the life of Adi Sankara.Several composers including the Trinity have sung extensively in praise of Devi Kamakshi.
Oothukkadu Venkata Kavi has composed nine gems in Sanskrit as "Navavarana Kritis" bringing out the essence of Devi Upasana.

This album is dedicated to the worship of Shiva and Shakti in the form of Lord Ekamreshwara and Devi Kamakshi with compositions of Muttuswami Dikshitar,Pattinathar and Tamizh Nalvar(Tirugnanasambandar, Tirunavukkarasar, Sundarar and Manikkavasagar) Tevarams as well as Kamakshi Navavarana Kritis of Venkata Kavi.

The CD launch and concert were organized under the banner of Shanti Arts Foundation and Endowments (SAFE)at R.K.Swamy Hall, Mylapore.

Sri.A.Natarajan, Former Director-Doordarshan released the album and the first copy was received by Sri.K.Vaidiyanathan, Editor-Dinamani. Sri.Ramabhadran of SAFE gave the welcome address.

I gave a concert after this function. Accompanists were V.Sanjeev and Patri Satishkumar. (They have accompanied me in the CD too.)

Music Competitions- 2010

2010-08-17T00:08:00.005+05:30

Every year, from June onwards, school children get busy with various competitions - group music, solo music, essay writing, drawing and painting etc etc - the sky is the limit these days..

Vishruthi took part in music competitions conducted by Rasika Ranjana Sabha,Trichy in June. There were several categories, she won prizes in four of them - Varnam singing, Oothukadu Venkatakavi Kritis, Papanasam Sivan Kritis and Subramanya Bharatiyar songs.

Conducting competitions in many categories gives children an excellent opportunity to learn a lot of Kritis of various composers. Also, singing on stage in front of an audience helps these little ones gain a lot of confidence and overcome stage fear.

She couldn't attend the prize distribution function at Trichy last week as she had to represent her school (Bala Vidya Mandir, Adyar) in another group singing event here in Chennai, on the same day.

Sri Matha Samarpanam conducted a lot of competitions for children in various age groups.

Here is a photo from that prize distribution function. Vishruthi receives the prize from none other than Smt.C.Lalitha (one of the Bombay Sisters). Embar Kannan was the chief guest that day.Smt.C.Lalitha and Sri.ARS were the other dignitaries on stage.

Smt.Nalini Ramaprasad of Sri Matha Samarpanam used to run an organization called Children Academy in the 80's. It was this institution which gave artists like me,S.P.Ramh, violinist Embar Kannan,violinist S.Varadarajan, violinist Suresh Babu, opportunities to give concerts in the mid-80's.

I was present that day only as a parent to take photos of Vishruthi receiving the prize. Also,she performed for about 10 minutes before the prize distribution. Ramh's son(Vikram) also sang for about 10 minutes - a very talented young boy Vikram is ! (Vikram is seen in the picture, hidden behind Ramh and Embar Kannan :-))

Ramh, Suresh Babu and I were caught unawares and were asked to come on to the stage for the prize distribution function, since we belonged to the "Alumni" of Children Academy :-)

(Vishruthi has won prizes in a few more events. I shall post the details and photos of those after she receives the prizes.)

My Experiences at Svanubhava-2010

2010-08-07T08:33:00.016+05:30

Matrka and YACM have jointly been conducting Svanubhava, a festival of Arts exclusively for students of Classical Arts.
Today is the concluding day of the festival. Different venues were chosen for each day and I could attend two programs during this festival, one on the 3rd and the other on the 4th of August.

The venues chosen for the 6 days were Kalakshetra, The Adyar Government Music College, The Music Academy, Harishri Vidyalayam, PSBB KK Nagar. Today's events will be held at Vidya Mandir, Mylapore.

HUMOUR IN FILMS : 3RD AUGUST, 2.30 p.m

This session was jointly conducted by veteran actor Sri A.R.Srinivasan (ARS) and Mr.Crazy Mohan. Sri.Y.Gee.Mahendra who was also supposed to have been on the panel, apparently could not make it for the session. The session went on for about an hour and was followed by an interactive question-answer session with the audience for about 10 minutes.

Sri.ARS started the session by giving a brief introduction about humour in films, starting from the earliest "talkies" till the current generation movies, in chronological order. Tamizh cinema is into its 80th year, hence he took us all on a whirlwind tour of the topic.

(Photo Courtesy: K.V.Gopalakrishnan)

I personally feel that it was a very neat and methodical presentation, with several examples and personal experiences cited in between.

He began by saying that our earliest influence in comedy came from Hollywood. Charlie Chaplin-N.S.Krishnan, Eddie Cantor-T.R.Ramachandran, Jerry Lewis-Nagesh, Laurel and Hardy-Senthil and Koundamani and so on, to mention a few. He also added that he could easily think of as many as 35 comedians in Tamizh cinema, but would mention only a few due to time constraints.

He mentioned about the different kinds of comedy in Tamizh movies:

Vaduville comedy (earliest comedy was in silent movies - best examples of comedians who influenced us were Bustor Keaton and Herald LLoyd).
Situational comedy- Chitraalaya Gopu is supposed to have been the pioneer in this type of comedy and has given many hit films. He also commended Sri.Crazy Mohan for several hit films he has given in association with Padmashri Kamal Hassan, like Avvai Shanmughi.
Slapstick comedy - Laurel and Hardy type of comedy. Chandrababu and Nagesh specialized in this kind of comedy.
Dialogue comedy - Thangavelu and V.K.Ramaswamy were the best examples of dialogue comedy.
Unintentional comedy.

The first movie came in the year 1917. Keechaka vadham. This was a silent movie.
The first talkie was Kalidas which came in the year 1931. In this movie, the hero, heroine, other members of the cast- all spoke in different languages ! But the audience didn't mind, since it was the first dramatic change from a silent movie. This movie had no dubbing, hence the actors spoke in whichever language they knew !

Kaalava Rishi was the first movie in which the entire cast spoke in Tamizh and this movie came in the year 1932.

Next Sri.ARS spoke about punch dialogues in movies, and NSK was considered to be the pioneer in comedy punch lines. He was also one of the important people who always made it a point to give thought-provoking comedy (which is unfortunately not seen these days.)

Examples from comedy tracks of NSK,VKR and Nagesh were given and the audience enjoyed every bit of this.

I particularly enjoyed that portion when he spoke high of Nagesh, about the versatility in his acting and how observant he was in normal life and took real-life examples to build several characters of his. One best example was his role in the classic "Tiruvilayaadal". It seems Nagesh, once at Kapali Temple, Mylapore saw a person who was pacing up and down and talking to himself. He is said to have keenly observed this person and his "dharumi" character in Tiruvilayaadal is said to have been largely based on this !

Instances cited from comedy in the old professional stage plays were hilarious ! In the early plays, it seems the hero would sing a famous song and "die" at the end. The audience would shout "once more", the hero would get up, sing once more and die again !!!

There were many idiosyncrasies- for example, an actor dressed up as Lord Rama, was famous for his hit song "Gopiyar Konjum Ramana". Each time Lord Rama came on the stage he was expected to sing this song on Lord Krishna, though the Krishna Avatar comes only after Rama Avatar in our mythology !! The point to be noted here is that the audience didn't mind these idiosyncrasies. People were simple and they just wanted their favorite songs to be sung :-)

The movie Bama Vijayam was another example in which he said GNB as Narada and M.R.Krishnamurthy as Lord Krishna would sing Tyagaraja Kritis in the movie ! Classical Music was an integral part of Tamizh movies then. Also in this movie, the entire cast of mythological characters would sing Janagana Mana in the end ! (Jana Gana Mana was accepted as a national song then, though it became the national anthem much later).

Next he talked about prompting that was done on amateur stage.

Talking about the movie Pavalakodi by Director K.Subramanyam, he talked about the "crow-shooter", whose name even appeared in the end credits as a crow shooter :-). Apparently in this movie, when songs with live orchestra were filmed in daylight at the Sathya Studio, there used to be thousands of crows flying over the area, causing audio disturbance. A man was specially employed as a "crow-shooter" who used rubber bullets to scare away the crows !!

Sri.ARS took us on a very interesting tour of Humour in Tamizh cinema and he finished his talk with a quote of NSK:
"சுருங்கச் சொல்லி விளங்க வை, விளங்கச் சொல்லி முகத்தைச் சுருங்க வைக்காதே"

After this Mr.Crazy Mohan gave a very lively account of humour in real life. He emphasised on the importance of humour in life.

(Photo Courtesy: K.V.Gopalakrishnan)

I would have very much liked it if he had shared with us,the unique experience that he has had in writing comedy tracks for Padmashri Kamal Hassan's films. The combination of these two personalities has given some remarkable hits in Tamizh cinema.

MUSIC IN FILMS : 4TH AUGUST, 1.30 p.m

This session was conducted by Sri.Rajiv Menon and the "one and only" SPB.

Rajiv Menon proved to be the perfect combination for SPB. He asked a lot of questions and we were in for an aural treat throughout the session.

(Photo Courtesy: Bharat Sundar)

SPB emphasized on the importance that should be given to lyrics and "Bhavam" while singing.

He gave numerous examples. The song that readily comes to my mind is "உனக்கென மேலே நின்றாய் ஓ நந்தலாலா" from the movie Simla Special which he demonstrated beautifully and also added how Kamal Hassan has added a lot of life to the song with his facial expression in this song.

SPB said true music should bring tears to the eyes and touch the soul, be it whichever form of music.

The movie Shankarabharanam in Telugu gave a lot of importance to classical ragas and he added that songs that he has sung in this movie have fetched him a lot of awards.

(Photo Courtesy: Bharat Sundar)

He talked about how he got influenced by Mohammed Rafi's style of singing.

It was amazing to hear that during his peak period as a playback singer, he recorded as many as 19 songs in a single day !!

The raga Sivaranjani, he said, got hooked on to him after the evergreen hit "Tere Mere Beech Me".

All of the above talks about the legend that he is, as far as playback singing is concerned.

What really touched me even more, was the humility in this great man. This quality,according to me, is a rare trait in great personalities.

He gave the example of a bird. Said any artist is like a bird. If one wing of the bird is विद्या (knowledge), the other wing is विनयम् (humility). Only if both the wings are properly balanced can the bird fly smoothly and reach great heights.

The audience gave him a standing ovation in the end, which he richly deserves.

SPB - A great personality indeed, a human being whom I admire a lot.

....................Both days were very memorable afternoons for me and kudos to the entire team of Matrka and YACM for this wonderful show.

Madhuram - Audio CD

2010-07-28T23:57:00.014+05:30

My latest album Madhuram has come into the market about a week back.

Sri.HMV Raghunathan has composed wonderful orchestration as always.

Here are the details of the album:

Sri Ariyakudi Music Foundation and ICCR - 9/7/10

2010-07-12T10:40:00.006+05:30

It was a full house at Srinivasa Sastri Hall, Mylapore.

Accompanists were Kumari.Akkarai Subhalakshmi on violin and Pathri Sri.Sathishkumar on Mridangam.

Unfortunately the mikes created havoc that day and I felt sorry for the disappointed Rasikas. Despite repeated requests from me and the other artists on stage, the audio quality was very poor.

Organizers had put in a lot of effort in organizing this concert. I only wish the audio quality had been better..

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.ErAnApai-varNam-tOdi-Adi
2.munduvenuka-darbAr-Adi-tyAgarAjA
3.rAjagOpAlam bhajEham-mOhanam-rUpakam-muttuswAmi dIkshitar (R,S)
4.padmAvati ramaNam-pUrvikalyANi-misra cApu-UttukAdu vEnkatasubbier
5.nAdupai-madhyamAvati-kanta cApu-tyAgarAjA (S)
6.chakkani rAja-kharaharapriyA-Adi-tyAgarAjA (R,N,S,T)
7.pravisha rAdhE-misra sivaranjani-kanta cApu-jayadevA
8.irakkam varAmal-behAg-rUpakam-gOpAlakrishna bhArati
9.tillAnA-nirOshtA-Adi-Madurai Sri.T.N.Seshagopalan
10.mangaLam

Back into blogging...

2010-07-08T12:22:00.003+05:30

It has been quite some time since I wrote here...I have not written about a couple of concerts that took place in the past two months..

Shifted my residence a few weeks back and have been very busy settling down slowly. My concert calendar is also updated now.

Hope to resume blogging in full swing from now on :-)

YACM Chamber Concert - 1/5/10

2010-05-02T07:19:00.004+05:30

This concert was held last evening at YACM member Vikram Raghavan's house.

I immensely enjoyed singing without mikes. Nice ambience..

For all the efforts taken by the committee in organizing the concert I wish more members of YACM had turned up for the concert :-(

Accompanists:

Sri.V.Sanjeev - Violin
Sri.A.S.Ranganathan - Mridangam
Sri.Adambakkam Shankar - Ghatam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varNam-kAnadA-ata tALA
2.chintayE mahAlinga-paras-Adi-muttuswAmi dIkshitar
3.nAdupai-madhyamAvati-kanta cApu-tyAgarAjA (R,S)
4.edayyA gati-chalanAtta-Adi-kOteeswara Iyer
5.ninnE neranammi-pantuvarALi-rUpakam-tyAgarAjA (N)
6.ivanArO-kAmbhOji-misracApu-kavi kunjara bhArati
7.kunram kudi koNda-tOdi-Adi-pApanAsam sivan (R,N,S,T)
8.gAyati vanamAli-gAvati-Adi-sadAsiva brahmEndrA
9.kalyANagOpalam-sindhubhairavi-kantacApu-nArAyaNa theertar
10.tillAnA-chandrakouns-tisra Adi-Sri.Madurai.T.N.Seshagopalan
11.mangaLam

Kumbakonam - 30/4/10

2010-05-02T07:07:00.003+05:30

This was part of their Tyagaraja Aradhana Celebrations.

Held at Sankara Mutt, Kumbakonam.

Accompanists:

Dr.Hemalatha - Violin
R.Sankaranarayanan - Mridangam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varNam-sahAnA-Adi
2.needayarAdA-vasantabhairavi-rUpakam-tyAgarAjA (S)
3.daridApulEka-sAvEri-Adi
4.sukhi evvarO-kAnadA-Adi-tyAgarAjA (R,S)
5.phanipati sAyi-jhankAradhwani-Adi-tyAgarAjA
6.enduku peddala-shankarAbharaNam-Adi-tyAgarAjA (R,N,S,T)
tukkadAs

Gayatri Mahila Sangeetha Sanmandali - Guntur, 24/4/10

2010-04-26T20:22:00.012+05:30

This Sabha is an all-ladies association. The concert was held at Balaji Temple, Guntur.

Accompanists:

Sri.Peravali Nandakumar - Violin
Sri.K.Sathgurucharan - Mridangam
Sri.Bhusurapalli Venkateswarulu - Ghatam

Excellent ambience, open-air concert.

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varNam-kAnadA-ata tALam
2.nAdasudhA-Arabhi-rUpakam-tyAgarAjA (S)
3.kshEmam kuru gOpAlA-mOhanam-misracApu-nArAyaNa tIrtha
4.teliyalEru rAmA-dEnukA-Adi-tyAgarAjA
5.sri vEnkata girIsham-surutti-Adi-muttuswAmi dIkshitar (R,S)
6.mAyamma-Ahiri-Adi-syAma sAstri
7.sarasa sAma dAna-kApinArayaNi-Adi-tyAgarAjA
8.kaligiyuntE-keeravANi-Adi-tyAgarAjA (R,N,S,T)
9.akhilAndEshwari-dwijAvanti-Adi-muttuswAmi dIkshitar
10.nAnAti bratuku-rEvati-Adi-annamAcAryA
11.muddugArE yashOdA-kurinji-Adi-annamAcAryA
12.mangaLam

Award Function - April 23rd, 2010

2010-04-24T00:11:00.011+05:30

Sri Sayee Vivekananda Vidyalaya,Kodungaiyur (near Vyasarpadi) has been conducting "Vadachennayil Isai Vizha" (வடசென்னையில் இசை விழா) in North Madras from 20th of April,2010, for a duration of five days. Yesterday I was conferred upon with the title of "Arul Isai Selvi" (அருளிசைச் செல்வி) and also given the coveted "Smt.D.K.P Memorial Award".

This is the first ever Music Festival that is being conducted in that area and it was a grand affair.

I thank the school authorities for having chosen me to have been the recipient of this prestigious award, in memory of one of the greatest musicians of this era, Smt.D.K.Pattammal.

The chief guest was Sri.Vaidyanathan, EDITOR, Dinamani Publications.

After the award function was my concert, accompanied by Sri.Mysore Srikanth on violin and Sri.Delhi Sairam on the Mridangam.

(Its 12.30 a.m now, I have to take a train at 6.30 a.m today to Vijayawada, I have a concert at Guntur this evening.Couldn't resist posting about the award immediately, hence did it now :-))

Naada Neerajanam - Tirupati - 15/4/10

2010-04-14T22:16:00.011+05:30

The Tamizh New Year Vikruti has dawned.

Lets all pray to the Almighty for global peace and prosperity.

I consider it to be the Almighty's blessings that I have got an opportunity to begin this New Year by participating in the "Naada Neerajanam' program at Tirumala, Tirupati tomorrow.

This concert will be telecast live on SVBC (Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel) channel from 6 to 7.30 p.m tomorrow.

I will write in detail about the concert, on Friday, after I get back from Tirupati.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.10 a.m - 16/4/10

Got back home about half an hour back..
We reached Tirupati around 10.30 a.m yesterday morning and immediately went for Darshan.
Naada Neerajanam officials had arranged for a quick and good Darshan.

Concert began around 6.10 p.m and ended at 7.30 p.m.

Accompanists:

Sri.V.Sanjeev - Violin
Sri.Poongulam Subramanian - Mridangam

To sing in the quadrangle just outside the main Gopuram was a great experience.

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.shankha chakra-pUrNachandrikA-rUpakam-muttuswAmi dIkshitar (S)
2.slOkam-verses from dayA shatakam followed by
neenE dayAlO-Anandabhairavi-misra cApu-purandara dAsA
3.anudinamunu-bEgadA-rUpakam-rAmanAthapuram srinivAsa iyengar
4.indirA mandiram-surutti-Adi-tulaseevanam (R,S)
5.nAmorAlagimpavE-yadukulakAmbhOji-kanta cApu-tALapAkkam chinnayya
6.sarvOpAyamula-kalyANi-Adi-annamAchAryA (R,N,S,T)
7.indirA nAmamu-kalyANavasantam-Adi-annamAchAryA
8.verses from kulasEkhara AzhwAr pAsuram followed by
tirupati vEnkataramaNa-hamsAnandi-Adi-purandara dAsA

Great vibrations and ambience..

Nadopasana - 10/4/10

2010-04-11T15:09:00.004+05:30

Concert was held at Dakshinamurthy Auditorium, P.S.High School.

Accompanists:

Kum.Charumathi Raghuraman - Violin
Sri.Poongulam Subramanian - Mridangam
Sri.Sreesundarkumar - Kanjira

Song List:

1.sAmi ninnE-varNam-Adi
2.narasimha mAmava-Arabhi (S)
3.tanavAri tanamu-bEgadA-Adi-tyAgarAjA
4.chintaya mA-Bhairavi-rUpakam-muttuswAmi dIkshitar (R,N,S)
5.Edayya gati-calanAttA-Adi-kOteeswara iyer
6.ninnu cheppa-mandAri-Adi-patnam subramania iyer (S)
7.saraguNa pAlimpa-kEdAragaulai-Adi-Poochi srinivAsa IyengAr (R,N,S,T)
8.muddu krishNA-chenjurutti-Adi-UthukkAdu vEnkatasubbier
9.rAma krishNaru-tilang-purandara dAsa
10.villinai-kAvadi chindu-subramani bhAratiyAr
11.slOkam-Ragamalika followed by Om namO nArAyaNA-karNaranjani-kanta cApu
12.mangaLam

Studio Recordings

2010-04-08T13:52:00.005+05:30

Yesterday was one of those hectic days for me at a studio, finishing a CD recording of mine.

There are two reasons for writing this short note now:

Yesterday I actually wanted to write about the studio experiences as soon as I got home from studio,but then it was 7.30 p.m when I got home and after dinner, kids were ready with their Scrabble and Monopoly games and I had to settle down with them for a few games of Monopoly :-). Hence I decided to pen it down now.

And then, it was such a coincidence when I saw Haritha's comment last evening regarding a recording of mine. (You can see this comment at the end of my previous post). This prompted me even more,to write it now.

Wearing headphones and singing in a studio, with the air conditioners and fans switched off is no fun !

And that's not all..On some days, we would go all the way to the studio and the engineer would say that the voice is not up to the mark, or sometimes the dynamics in the voice would be slightly different and hence the recording would actually not take place.

Enunciation of lyrics again has to be tactfully done over the studio mikes which are really powerful. Particularly for a person like me who is always cautious about the "Pha"'s, "Bha"'s, "Tha"'s, to sing these syllables with just the right amount of accent and emphasis is indeed a challenge :-)

An entire day at the studio, trying to get all the audio levels right and aiming for 100% musical perfection can really be physically tiring.

But...

After all the hard work and the long days of work at studio as mentioned above, when the artist listens to the final product, the satisfaction that the artist gets is something overwhelming.

More importantly, when listeners enjoy the music, when our music brings happiness and makes others forget their worries, the feeling of contentment to the artist is something very special.

This is the greatest reward that an artist could get, for all the hard work, for the heart and soul put into music !

Sri Rama Seva Mandali, Fort High School, Bangalore - 1/4/10

2010-04-06T16:53:00.005+05:30

This concert was part of their grand Ramanavami Festival.

Accompanists:

Sri.B.V.Raghavendra Rao - Violin
Poongulam Sri.Subramanian - Mridangam
Sri.Ravikumar - Ghatam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varNam-AbhOgi-Adi (S)
2.nArAyaNA ninna-sudhdhadhanyAsi-kanta cApu
3.manavichE konavayyA-sarasAngi-rUpakam-patnam Subramania Iyer (R,N,S)
4.vinarAda nA manavi-dEvagAndhAri-Adi-tyAgarAjA
5.ennAlu oorakE-subhapantuvarALi-misra cApu-tyAgarAjA (R,N,S,T)
6.kOlam kANa vAreer-nAtakurinji-Adi-ambujam krishNA
7.RTP-brindAvana sAranga-misra triputa (R,N,S)
8.sadA enna-behAg-rUpakam-vijayavittala dAsA
9.rAma jOgi-kamAs-Adi-bhadrAcala rAmdas
10.mangaLam

Sri Tyaga Brahma Gana Sabha - Tamizh Isai vizha - 29/3/10

2010-04-04T09:03:00.007+05:30

THEME : "சங்கம் முதல் இன்று வரை":

According to this theme, the history of Tamizh literature was traced back to the Sangam age and I took songs and poetry from each century and progressed chronologically till the present age.

Accompanists:

Sri.B.V.Raghavendra Rao - Violin
Sri.A.S.Ranganathan - Mridangam
Sri.Nerkunam Shankar - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.Introduction
2.பத்துப்பாட்டு-திருமுருகாற்றுப்படை-(ஸ்வாமிமலை மட்டும்)-விருத்தம்-பௌளி
3.எட்டுத்தொகை:
பரிப்பாடல்-சங்கராபரணம்- ஆதி
கலித்தொகை- ஆரபி - கண்ட சாபு
4.பதினென்கீழ் கணக்கு:
நாலடியார் - சண்முகப்ரியா-விருத்தம்
திருக்குறள் - சண்முகப்ரியா - ஆதி (S)
5.சிலப்பதிகாரம் - கானடா - ஆதி (R)
மணிமேகலை - காம்போஜி - ஆதி
6.திருநாவுக்கரசர் தேவாரம்-வானனை - கீரவாணி (R)
7.திவ்ய ப்ரபந்தம்(பெரியாழ்வார் பாசுரம்) - அஞ்சன வண்ணனை - காபி
8.திருவாசகம் - சீரார் - குறிஞ்சி-திரு ஊசல் பாடல்
9.கம்ப ராமாயணம்-நாமம் அன்னது-கர்ணரஞ்சனி
10.திருப்புகழ் - காதி மோதி - சந்த்ரகௌன்ஸ்
11.குமரகுருப்பரர்-சங்கு கிடந்த-கல்யாணி - ஆதி
12.மாரிமுத்தையா பிள்ளை - என்னேரமும்- தோடி - ஆதி (R)
13.அருணாசல கவி-யாரோ இவர் யாரோ - ஸாவேரி - ஆதி (R,S,T)
14.பெற்றத் தாய் (விருத்தம்-வள்ளலார்), இரக்கம் வராமல்(கோபாலக்ருஷ்ண பாரதி)
15.காக்கை சிறகினிலே-சுப்ரமண்ய பாரதியார் - ப்ருந்தாவன ஸாரங்கா
16.வில்லினை ஒத்த - காவடிச் சிந்து- சுப்ரமண்ய பாரதியார்
17.கல்கி க்ருஷ்ணமூர்த்தி - காற்றினிலே வரும் கீதம்
18.பாபநாசம் சிவன் - கற்பகமே- மத்யமாவதி
19.அம்புஜம் க்ருஷ்ணா - தசாவதார மங்களம் - சௌராஷ்ட்ரம்

Sri Ramanavami Festival , Ramanathapura - 27/3/10

2010-04-04T08:53:00.005+05:30

This is a quaint village situated on the banks of river Cauvery, and about two hrs drive from Mysore.

There is a beautiful Rama Temple where the concerts were held and the atmosphere was very festive.

Accompanists:

Sri.M.R.Srinidhi - Violin
Sri.B.C.Manjunath - Mridangam
Sri.M.A.Krishnamurthy - Ghatam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varNam-AbhOgi-Adi (S)
2.teliyalEru rAma-dEnukA-Adi-tyAgarAjA
3.kshEmam kuru gOpAla-mOhanam-misracApu-nArAyaNa theerthar (R)
4.seethamma mAyamma-vasantA-rUpakam-tyAgarAja (R,S)
5.chalamElara-mArgahindOlam-Adi-tyAgarAjA
6.enduku peddala-shankarAbharaNam-Adi-tyAgarAjA (R,N,S,T)
7.rAmachandrEna-mAnji-rUpakam-muttusAmi dIkshitar
8.RTP-amruthavarshini-kanta triputa(chatusra nadai) (R,N,S)
Tukkadas

Rama Mandiram, Mysore - 26/3/10

2010-04-04T08:46:00.004+05:30

Accompanists:

Dr.Jyotsna Srikanth - Violin
Sri.Tumkur Ravishankar - Mridangam
Sri.Tumkur Shashishankar - Ghatam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.mErusamAna-mAyAmAlavagowLa-Adi-tyAgarAjA (S)
2.palukavadEmirA-devamanOhari-Adi-mysore vAsudEvAchAr (R)
3.telisirAma-pUrnachandrikA-Adi-tyAgarAjA
4.kaligiyuntE-keeravANi-Adi-tyAgarAjA (R,N,S,T)
5.phaNipati sAyI-jhankAradhwani-Adi-tyAgarAjA
6.RTP-nAtaikurinji-kanta triputa (chatusra nadai)(R,N,S)
Tukkadas

Sri varasidhdhi vinAyakar temple,Besant Nagar - 25/3/10

2010-04-04T08:33:00.004+05:30

Accompanists:

Smt. Usha Rajagopalan - Violin
Sri.Poongulam Subramanian - Mridangam
Sri.Guruprasad - Ghatam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.shakti gaNapatim-nAtai-rUpakam-harikEsanallur muthiah bhAgavatar (S)
2.rAma nAma amruta-kamAs-Adi-pApanAsam sivan
3.palukavadEmirA-dEvamanOhari-Adi-mysore vAsudEvAchAr (R)
4.needu mahima pogada-hamsAnandi-Adi-harikEsanallur muthiah bhAgavatar (R,S)
5.shObhillu-jaganmOhini-rUpakam-tyAgarAjA
6.dAsarathi-tOdi-Adi-tyAgarAjA (R,N,S,T)
7.eppadithAn-neelAmbari-Adi-uthukADU VEnkatasubbier
8.veLLai tAmarai-bhimplAs-Adi-subramanya bhAratiyAr
9.virutham,rAma nAmamE-dEsh-Adi-tanjavUr shankara iyer
10.mangaLam

azhagE murugA - rAgamAlikA

2010-03-30T08:15:00.004+05:30

(As requested by Smt.Sowmya Natarajan)

அழகே முருகா - (அறுபடை வீடு ராகமாலிகா)
இயற்றியவர் - அரு கோபாலன்

பல்லவி:
(ராகம் - அம்ருதவர்ஷினி)

அழகே முருகா குமரா சரணம்
அருளை தரவே இதுவே தருணம்
விலகத் தகுமோ நான் உன் தஞ்சம்
விடாது உன் பாதம் இனி என் நெஞ்சம் (அழகே)

சரணம் 1:
(ராகம் - மோஹனம்)

திருப்பரங்குன்றில் உறையும் அரசே
செந்தமிழ் சங்கம் தங்கும் பரிசே
உறுச்செய்வோர் புகழ் ஓங்கிடும் முரசே
உன் பதம் அல்லால் தாழாதென் சிரசே (அழகே)

சரணம் 2:
(ராகம் - பாகேஸ்ரீ)

அலைவாய் செந்தில் அமரும் பரனே
களைவாய் எந்தன் கவலை உடனே
வலைவாய் பட்டு மீன்போல் தளர்ந்தேன்
விரைவாய் தடுத்தாட் கொள்வதுன் கடனே (அழகே)

சரணம் 3:
(ராகம் - மலயமாருதம்)

ஆவினான்குடி வாழ் கோவெ குஹனே
மேவினேன் உன்னை மயில் வாஹனனெ
தேவி சங்கரி தேடும் மகனே
பாப விமோசனம் தா ஷண்முகனே (அழகே)

சரணம் 4:
(ராகம் - ஸஹானா)

திருவேரகம் ஒளிர் தென்னவர் நிதியே
சிவநார்க்குபதேசம் செய்திடும் பதியே
அறிவார் சித்தர்க்கு உதிக்கும் மதியே
அடியோர்க்கு என்றென்றும் நீதான் கதியே (அழகே)

சரணம் 5:
(ராகம் - காம்போஜி)

குன்றுதோறாடும் மன்றாடி மைந்தா
கூறும் அடியார்கள் வினை தீர்க்கும் கந்தா
மண்டிடும் நோய் நீக்கி மன நலன் தந்தாள்
மறவாதுன்னையே வழிபடும் வரம் தா (அழகே)

சரணம் 6:
(ராகம் - அம்ருதவர்ஷினி)

பழமுதிர்ச்சோலை திகழும் இறைவா
பைந்தமிழ் நாளும் புகழும் தலைவா
வளமெலாம் தரும் குறிஞ்சி கிழவா
வாழ்வும் ஆள்வும் மீள்வும் தரவா (அழகே)

Vishvesh's Upanayanam - 5th March 2010

2010-03-15T20:03:00.030+05:30

The 5th of March 2010 saw Vishvesh becoming a brahmachAri :-)

We conducted the Upanayanam function at Vidyabharathi Kalyana Mantapam, Mylapore, Chennai.

On 4th evening was the pUrvAngam function. Here are a couple of photos from the day's function:

(Vishruthi and Vishvesh)

On 5th morning:

kumAra bhOjanam:

Vishvesh being carried by his Mama: :-)

[My brother and sister-in-law (with their three-and-a-half yr old daughter) are seen in the picture.]

Wearing the sacred thread:

Vishvesh learning a few mantras:

brahmOpadesam:

[Standing: On the extreme right is my brother-in-law. To his right is my father-in-law wearing a white shirt and standing next to him is my mother-in-law wearing a dark brown 9-yards saree. Standing third from left is my mother wearing a light green saree.]

[Standing on the extreme left is my father,wearing a yellow kurta.]

The little brahmachAri obediently listening to the mantrAs:

Sri Anantapadmanabhaswamy Temple, Adyar - 27/2/10

2010-02-28T04:05:00.006+05:30

I sang yesterday at Sri Anantapadmanabhaswamy Temple,Adyar as part of the 16th BrahmOtsavam festival at the temple.

Each day during the BrahmOtsavam, a different alankAram is done to the deity and yesterday happened to be the TirukalyANa utsavam and oonjal utsavam.

Earlier in the evening, during the TirukalyAnam deepArAdhanA, we were honored to have the Maharaja of Travancore,His Highness Maharaja Raja Ramaraja Sri Padmanabha Dasa Vanchipala Martanda Varma III [Uthradom Tirunal] at the temple. I was very fortunate to have got an opportunity to render the kriti bhOgindra sAyinam in the presence of His Highness during the deepArAdhanA.

Accompanists:

Sri.H.N.Bhaskar - Violin
Sri.Poongulam Subramanian-Mridangam
Sri.Anirudh Athreya-Kanjira

Song list:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.dEva dEva-mAyAmALavagowLa-rUpakam-maharaja swAti tirunAL (S)
2.AdAdu asangAdu-madhyamAvati-Adi-UthukkAdu vEnkatasubbier
3.kOlam kANa vAreer-nAttaikurinji-Adi-Ambujam Krishna (R,S)
4.ranganAyakam-nAyaki-Adi-muttuswAmi dIkshitar
5.kalyANa rAma-hamsanAdam-Adi-UthukkAdu vEnkatasubbier (S)
6.vinarAda nA manavi-dEvagAndhAri-Adi-tyAgarAja
7.bAlagOpAla-bhairavi-Adi-muttuswAmi dIkshitar (R,N,S,T)
8.srInivAsa-hamsAnandi-Adi-pApanAsam sivan
9.sItA kalyANa-kurinji-kanta cApu-tyAgarAja
10.aDithalathil-neelAmbari-ranganAthar Unjal
11.pachai mAmalai-pAsuram(Virutham-chandrakouns)
followed by tillAnA-chandrakouns-tisra Adi-Madurai Sri.T.N.Seshagopalan
12. mangaLam
Mangalam

Annanagar Music Circle - 21/2/10

2010-02-27T08:07:00.004+05:30

Accompanists:

Dr.R.Hemalatha - Violin
Sri.Tanjavur.Kumar - Mridangam
N.Sundar - Morsing

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varNam-sAvEri-Adi (S)
2.teliyalEru-dEnukA-Adi-tyAgarAja
3.sri sivE-AbhOgi-Adi-harikEsanallUr muthiah bhAgavatar (R,S)
4.sanTanamanjari-santAnamanjari-Adi-muttuswAmi dIkshitar
5.rAma rAma guNaseema-simhEndramadhyamam-Adi-mahArAjA swAti tirunAL (R,N,S,T)
6.ranganAyakam-nAyaki-Adi-muttuswAmi dIkshitar
7.sarasa sAma dAna-kApinArAyaNi-Adi-tyAgarAja
8.RTP-sAvEri-tisra jhampa tALm,misra nadai (R,N,S)
9.pravisha rAdhE-misra sivaranjani-kanta cApu-jayadEvar
10.mangaLam

Concert Review in Hindu

2010-02-24T07:42:00.004+05:30

Tyagaraja Aradhana Concert on 21st of January under the auspices of Mylapore Fine Arts :

You can go the following link to see a review of the above concert in the Hindu paper dated 5th February,2010:http://www.hindu.com/fr/2010/02/05/stories/2010020551281000.htm

Tambaram Music Club - 14/2/10

2010-02-24T06:59:00.006+05:30

This was a concert held as part of the tyAgarAja ArAdhanA celebrations.

Accompanists:

Sri.Kandadevi Vijayaraghavan - Violin
Sri.Delhi Sairam - Mridangam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.slOkam, mErusamAna-mAyAmALavagowlA-Adi (S)
2.nAdasudhA-Arabhi-rUpakam (R)
3.gAnamUrte-gAnamUrti-Adi
4.bhajana sEyavE-kalyANi-rUpakam (R,S)
5.sukhi evvarO-kAnadA-Adi
6.tanavAri-bEgadA-Adi
7.nagumOmu-AbhEri-Adi (R,N,S,T)
8.sri rAma jayarAma-yadukulakAmbhOji-kantacApu

Narada Gana Sabha - 11/2/10

2010-02-24T06:50:00.004+05:30

Accompanists:

Sri.Raghavendra Rao - Violin
Sri.Poongulam Subramanian - Mridangam
Sri.Papanasam Sethuraman - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varNam-surutti-Adi
2.varavallabha ramaNa-hamsadhwani-Adi-G.N.Balasubramanian (S)
3.gurulEka-gowrimanOhari-kantacApu-tyAgarAjar (R,N,S)
4.dEvi ramE-vasantA-Adi-mysore vAsudEvAchAr
5.pArvati nAyakanE-shanmukhapriya-Adi-pApanAsam sivan (R,S)
6.nandagOpAla-AbhEri-Adi-UthukkAdu vEnkatasubbier
7.sri subramaNyAya-kAmbhOji-rUpakam-muttuswAmi dikshitar (R,N,S,T)
8.sri mAdhava-behAg-Adi-pApanAsam sivan
9.ponnAr mEniyanE-kurinji-rUpakam
10.virutham (appar tEvAram)
followed by nAgEndra hArAya-siva panchAkshara stOtram
11.mangaLam

Rathnagirishwarar Temple,Chennai - 9/2/10

2010-02-24T06:37:00.009+05:30

Accompanists:

Sri.V.V.Ravi - Violin
Sri.Tiruvarur Vaidaynathan - Mridangam
Sri..Sreesundarkumar - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varNam-ranjani-Adi-G.N.Balasubramanian
2.idadhu padam-kamAs-Adi-pApanAsam sivan (S)
3.marivEre-Anandabhairavi-misracApu-syAmA sAstri (R)
4.bhuvanEshvariyA-mOhanakalyANi-Adi-Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavatar (R,S)
5.giripriyam-kathanakuthUuhalam-Adi-Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavatar
6.Adiya pAdathai-surutti-Adi-Gopalakrishna Bharati (R)
7.EkambranAthEshwarEna-ChathuranginI-Adi-muttuswAmi dIkshitar
8.kArthikEya gAngEya-tOdi-Adi-pApanAsam sivan (R,N,S,T)
9.Ragamalika Virutham-(appar tEvAram)
followed by Irakkam Varamal - Behag
10.karuNai madi tavazhum-rAgamAlikA-Adi-N.S.Chidambaram
11.nAgEndra hArAya-sivapanchAkshara stOtram

Sri Ram Samaj - 4/2/10

2010-02-08T00:17:00.005+05:30

This concert was held as part of the tyAgarAja ArAdhanA series.

Accompanists:

Kumari Akkarai Subhalakshmi - Violin
Neyveli Skandasubramanian - Mridangam
Alathur Rajganesh - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.srIganapatini-sowrAshtram-Adi
2.sItApatE-kamAs-Adi (N,S)
3.kanakanaruchirA-varALi-Adi
4.seetamma mAyamma-vasantA-rUpakam (R,S)
5.manavyAla-naLinakAnti-Adi (R)
6.sArvabhouma sAkEtarAmA-rAgapancharam-Adi
7.EtAvunarA-kalyANi-Adi (R,N,S,T)
8.ennagamanasuku-neelAmbari-Adi
9.rAmarAma-senjurutti-rUpakam
10.vadanadyuti-pantuvarALi-rUpakam
11.mangaLAshtakam slOkam-rAgamAlikA-wAlAjAhpettai vEnkataramana bhAgavatar
12.mangaLam

Rasika Ranjani Sabha,Ghatkopar,Mumbai - 30/1/10

2010-02-07T23:28:00.003+05:30

Accompanists:

V.Sanjeev - Violin
Neyveli.S.Skandasubramanian - Mridangam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.Varnam-sudhdhadhanyAsi-Adi-harikEsanallur muthiah bhAgavatar (S)
2.swAminAta paripAlayAshumAm-nAtai-Adi-muttuswAmi dIkshitar
3.bruhadambikAyai-vasantA-misracApu-muttuswAmi dIkshitar (R,S)
4.ambA neelAyatAkshi-neelAmbari-Adi-muttuswAmi dIkshitar
5.kanugontini-bilahari-Adi-tyAgarAjA (S)
6.pakkalanilabadi-kharaharapriyA-misracApu-tyAgarAjA (R,N,S,T)
7.rAja rAja-nirOshtA-tisra Adi-harikEsanallur muthiah bhAgavatar
8.virutham,chandiran oLiyil-chandrakouns-misracApu-mahAkavi subramanya bhAratiyAr
9.virutham,kaliyuga varadan-brindAvana sArangA-Adi-periasAmi tUran
10.villinai-kAvadi chindu-mahAkavi subramanya bhAratiyAr
11.tillAnA-rEvati-misracApu-lAlgudi jayaraman
12.mangaLam

Nanganallur Sri Tyagaraja Sangeetha Samajam - 25/1/10

2010-02-01T06:39:00.005+05:30

Concerts at Ranjani Hall, Nanganallur are always extremely well attended. Nanganallur residents should be commended for their keen interest in the art and for sitting through the entire concert, without an exodus during the Tani Avartanam :-)

This concert was one among the Tyagaraja Aradhana series of concerts organized by NSTSS.

Accompanists:

B.V.Raghavendra Rao - Violin
Poongulam Subramanian - Mridangam
Anirudh Athreya - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.slOkam, mErusamAna-mAyAmALavagowLA-Adi (S)
2.rArA mAyinti-asAvEri-Adi
3.sandEhamunu-rAmapriyA-Adi (R,S)
4.telisirAma-pUrNachandrikA-Adi
5.rAmakathAsudhA-madhyamAvati-Adi (R,N,S,T)
6.E rAmuni-vakuLAbharaNam-misracApu (R)
7.tanavAri tanamu-bEgadA-Adi
8.RTP-gowrimanOhari-kanta triputa
"tyAgarAja swAmiki sarievvarE rAmabhakthudu sri"
9.gAna mazhai-rAgamAlikA-Adi-ambujam krishna
10.virutham,tEdi unnai-sindubhairavi-Adi-subramanya bhAratiyAr
11.mangaLam

rAgasudhA hall - 23/1/10

2010-01-31T23:22:00.006+05:30

Accompanists:

B.U.Ganeshprasad - Violin
R.Sankaranarayanan - Mridangam
Adambakkam Shankar - Ghatam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.chalamEla-padavarNam-nAtakurinji-Adi-rangaswAmy nattuvanAr (S)
2.Edayya gati-chalanAtta-Adi-kOteeswara Iyer
3.kAlaharaNa-sudhdhasAvEri-rUpakam-tyAgarAjA (R,S)
4.sadAsivam sadAsrayE-hamsagamani-rUpakam-harikEsanallur muthaiah bhAgavatar
5.bAlAmbikAyAh-kAnadA-Adi-muttuswAmi dIkshitar (R,S)
6.srikAnta-bhavapriyA-Adi-tyAgarAjA
7.ambA neelAyatAkshi-neelAmbari-Adi-muttuswAmi dIkshitar
8.O rangasAyee-kAmbhOji-Adi-tyAgarAjA (R,N,S,T)
9.kanakasaila-punnAgavarALi-Adi-syAmA sAstri
10.karuNAjaladhE-nAdanAmakriyA-Adi-tyAgarAjA
11.mOdi jEsE-kamAs-Adi
12.mangaLam

Mylapore Fine Arts - 21/1/10

2010-01-31T23:14:00.003+05:30

This was part of the Tyagaraja Aradhana series conducted by Mylapore Fine Arts, Chennai.

Accompanists:

Mysore Sri.H.N.Bhaskar - Violin
Sri.R.Ramesh - Mridangam
B.S.Purushothaman - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.slOkam, rAgasudharasa - AndOlikA- Adi (S)
2.dudukUgala - gowlA - Adi
3.rAmabhakti sAmrAjyam - sudhdhabangaLA
4.shambhO mahAdeva - pantuvarALi - rUpakam (R,S)
5.nA morAla - dEvagAndhAri - rUpakam - (R)
6.E rAmuni - vakuLAbharaNam - misra cApu (R)
7.tanayuni brOva - bhairavi - Adi (R,N,S,T)
8.rAmuni maravakavE - kedAragowLa - Adi
9.rAma pAhi - kApi - misra cApu
10.mangaLashtakam slOkam - rAgamAlikA followed by mangaLam

srInivAsa tava - kharaharapriyA (lyrics)

2010-01-24T08:51:00.002+05:30

Lyrics as requested:

rAgam : kharaharapriyA
tALam : rUpakam
composer : pApanAsam sivan

பல்லவி:

ஸ்ரீநிவாஸ தவ சரணௌ சிந்தயாமி ஸந்ததம் (ஸ்ரீநிவாஸ)

அனுபல்லவி:

தீனஜநாவந துரீண ஸ்ரீவேங்கட கிரிரமண (ஸ்ரீநிவாஸ)

சரணம்:

கமலஜா மனோஹர ஸ்ரீகரகருணா ஜலதர நத-
சமலதமோ பாஸ்கர ச்ரித ஸுரேச ராமதாஸவினுத (ஸ்ரீநிவாஸ)

पल्लवि:
श्रीनिवास तव चरणौ चिन्तयामि सन्ततम् (श्रीनिवास)

अनुपल्लवि:
दीनजनावन दुरीण श्रीवेङकट गिरिरमण (श्रीनिवास)

चरणम्:
कमलजा मनोहर श्रीकरकरुणा जलधर नत-
शमलतमो भास्कर श्रित सु्रेश रामदासविनुत (श्रीनिवास)

Stree pancharatnam at Mudhra - 10/1/2010

2010-01-20T22:31:00.009+05:30

Mudhra organized an all-women Pancharatna kritis rendering on January 10th,2010.

I finished the Unchavruthi function at Narada Gana Sabha on the occasion of the Global GNB Centenary Celebrations and hurried to Mudhra to participate in this event.

Kudos to Mudhra Bhaskar and Dr.Radha Bhaskar for the excellent arrangements and for bringing together a large number of lady artists on this memorable occasion.

On the violin we had Dr.Narmada in the lead,on the Veena we had Mrs.Jayalakshmi Sekhar and there were three lady Mridangam artists - Smt.Rajam, Smt.Jayamangala and Kumari.Rajna Swaminathan.

The most interesting feature was that we could sing at our own pitch :-). Usually group singing of Pancharatna Kritis is at the males' pitch- therefore we end up singing in the upper and lower octaves alternatively :-).On this occasion we were definitely more at ease,singing at a pitch ideal for ladies.

Chennai Sangamam 2010 - 12/1/2010

2010-01-13T00:20:00.006+05:30

Venue : Ashok Nagar Park, Chennai

Accompanists:

Sri.V.V.S.Murari - Violin
Sri.R.Sankaranarayanan - Mridangam

There was a very good crowd and it was heartening to see people listening to the concert in rapt attention.

Global GNB Centenary Celebrations @Narada Gana Sabha, 10/1/10

2010-01-12T23:14:00.016+05:30

The Global GNB Centenary Celebrations were held at Narada Gana Sabha,Chennai from 6th January,2010 to 10th January,2010.

This was done on a very grand scale, organised by Mr.Vijayaraghavan, with the co-operation of a lot of Sabha Secretaries and musicians.

Morning of 10th January had us all assembled at NGS for the Unchavruthi procession of Goddess Rajarajeshwari,the idol personally worshipped by Sri.GNB. The idol was beautifully decorated and it was carried on a palenquin. We walked around NGS and sang GNB kritis in a group.

Musicians who participated:
Smt.Gayathri Venkataraghavan, Smt.Lakshmi Rangarajan,Kum.Nisha Rajagopal,Kum.Subhiksha Rangarajan,Kum.S.M.Vilasini,Sri Abhishek Raghuram,Sri.Kunnakudi Balamuralikrishna,Sri.Delhi Muthukumar,Sri.Bharat Sundar and myself.
On the violin was Sri.Bombay Anand, on the Mridangam we had Trivandrum Balaji and on the Kanjira we had Sri.K.V.Gopalakrishnan and Sri.A.Anand.

(Photos Courtesy :Sri.Sampath Rangan and Sri.Trivandrum Balaji.)

His Highness, The Maharaja of Udaipur was the chief guest and inaugurated the proceedings by taking an Arti of the Rajarajeshwari idol.

Mridangam Maestro Umayalpuram Sri.K.Sivaraman was a special guest who addressed the gathering.

We first sang the kriti vara vallabhA ramaNA,rAgam hamsadhwani,in chorus.

This was followed by the kriti sivAnanda kAmavardhani in rAgam kAmavardhani,sung by the lady artists alone. Short neraval rounds were done by Smt.Lakshmi,Kum.Nisha and Kum. Vilasini.

After this the male artists sang the kriti ranjani niranjani in the rAgam ranjani and we were delighted to see TRS Mama joining our group at this juncture.

Next was the bhairavi rAga kriti gativErevarammA sung in chorus by all of us.

This was followed by a short tani by our percussion artists.

The next item was a slOkam (vandE mAtaram ambikAm bhagavatIm immortalized by Sri.GNB) sung in different rAgams by Bharat Sundar,Subhiksha,myself,Abhishek and Gayathri Venkataraghavan.

This was followed by the beautiful kriti paramakripAsAgari in the rAgam yadukulakAmbhOji and with this we finished the unchavruthi procession.

This wonderful unchavruthi was a new and different kind of experience for me. We had to sing without mikes and the entire place vibrated with music that entire morning:-)

IIT MADRAS ALUMNI DAY- Jugalbandi concert - 26/12/09

2010-01-11T21:55:00.011+05:30

Lakshmi Sriram and I presented a Carnatic-Hindustani Jugalbandi vocal concert on 26th Dec 2009 as part of the IIT Alumni Celebrations. I finished my concert at Brahma Gana Sabha earlier that evening and went for this concert at CLT inside IIT Campus.

(Photos Courtesy : Mr.C.Mohan)

Accompanists:

Sri.Mysore Srikanth - Violin
Sri.Neyveli Skandasubramanian - Mridangam
Sri.Ravi Balasubramanian - Ghatam
Sri.Viresh Madri - Harmonium
Sri.Suresh - Tabla

The concert duration was only one hour and our concert was followed by a Flute Recital by Sri.K.Bhaskaran.

Lakshmi and I presented 4 items in this concert. Even though we sang the pieces individually, each of us joined the other while singing the AlAp and kalpanaswArams.

1. Hamsadhwani:

I sang vara vallabha ramaNA, a composition of Sri.G.N.Balasubramanian, in Adi tALa. Lakshmi sang a drut bandhish in teen tAl in the same rAga,inits Hindustani equivalent style.

2. pantuvarALi and pUryadhanasri:

This was Lakshmi's main item and she sang a madhya lay teen tAl bandish (pAyaleeya)in pUryadhanasri. I sang shambhO mahAdEva, a composition of Saint tyAgarAjA, set to rUpaka tALa.

3. madhyamAvati and madhyamat sArang:

This was the main item that I presented. Sang pAlintsu kAmAkshi, a composition of syAmA sAstri set to Adi tALa and Lakshmi followed with a composition in madhyamat sArang.

4.dEsh:

I sang the kriti rAma nAma,a composition of Sri.Thanjavur Shankara Iyer set to Adi tALa and Lakshmi wound up the concert with a tarAnA in dEsh.

AN ODE........TO A LEGEND

2010-01-06T23:13:00.005+05:30

The centennial celebrations of Sri G.N.Balasubramanian(GNB)[Jan 6th,1910-May 1st,1965], have kicked off to a flying start and the entire Carnatic music fraternity from all over the world has come together in unison to pay their respects and revel in his exotic renderings.
That he was a superb musician is pretty much like stating the obvious.

A deep resonant voice, a charismatic stage presence and a great command over any Raga are some of the highlights of his presentations.His captivating tukkadas, as opposed to some scholarly RTPs embellished with graha bhedAs, swara rAgamAlikAs
left both the cynical critic and the laymen dumbfounded.

Of course these are stories I've heard,from various people who have had the privilege of having heard him "live"!! This is when i get wistful and wish I had a time-machine that I could use, to attend at least one concert of his....

Those super speed brighas that so very easily get transformed into endearingly soft phrases have often left me amazed and stunned. All I can do now is pay my obeisance to the Maestro and find solace in the fact that I am pursuing just what he and I share the same passion for - music !!

The Britishers are often heard saying- The King is gone but Long Live the King- that's how I feel too.

My heartfelt Pranams to you, Sir....

December 2009 Concerts-Newspaper Reviews

2010-01-06T20:57:00.006+05:30

The following review of my concert for Brahma Gana Sabha (26th Decemeber 2009),appeared in The Hindu,Chennai Edition dated 1st January,2010.

The following review of my concert for Bharat Kalachar (2nd January 2010),appeared in Dinamani,Tamizh Daily dated 3rd January,2010.

The following review of my concert for Chennayil Tiruvaiyaru (19th December 2009),appeared in Ananda Vikatan,Tamizh Weekly Magazine dated 6th January,2010.

Rotary Club and CUB, Kumbakonam - 5/1/10

2010-01-06T18:47:00.003+05:30

Venue : Saraswati pAtashAla,kumbakOnam

Accompanists:

Mysore.H.N.Bhaskar - Violin
Neyveli Skandasubramanian - Mridangam
Madipakkam Murali - Ghatam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varNam-sudhdhadhanyAsi-Adi-muthiah bhAgavatar (S)
2.vAtApi gaNapatim-hamsadhwani-Adi-muttuswAmi dIkshitar
3.teliyalEru-dEnukA-Adi-tyAgarAjA
4.guruvAyurappanE-reetigowLa-Adi-ambujam krishnA (R,S)
5.sarasa sAmadAna-kApinArAyaNi-Adi-tyAgarAjA
6.meenAkshi mEmudam-pUrvikalyANi-Adi-muttuswAmi dIkshitar (R,N,S,T)
7.chinnanjiru kiLiyE-rAgamAlikA-Adi(tisra)-subramaNya bhAratiyAr
8.kurai onrum illai-rAgamAlikA-Adi-rAjAji
9.irakkam varAmal-behAg-rUpakam-gOpAlakrishna bhArati
10.mangaLam

tyAgarAja ArAdhanA,tiruvaiyAru - 4/1/10

2010-01-06T18:44:00.003+05:30

Accompanists:

NeyvEli Radhakrishnan - Violin
Madipakkam Suresh - Mridangam
Adambakkam Shankar - Ghatam
Papanasam Sethuraman - Kanjira

Song List:

1.tanavAri-bEgadA-Adi
2.E rAmuni-vakuLAbharaNam-misracApu
3.mithri bhAgyamE-karaharapriyA-Adi
4.rAmuni maravakavE-kEdAragowLa

bhArat kalAchAr - 2/1/10

2010-01-06T18:23:00.003+05:30

Venue : Y.G.P Auditorium, T.Nagar

Accompanists:

Kumari Akkarai Subhalakshmi - Violin
Sri.J.Vaidyanathan - Mridangam
Sri.Papanasam Sethuraman - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varnAm-pantuvarAli-Adi (S)
2.tatvamariya-reetigowLa-Adi-pApanAsam sivan
3.karuNAkara mAmava-bEgadA-rUpakam-mahArAjA swAti tirunAL (R,S)
4.vEdapureeshwaram-dhanyAsi-Adi-muttuswAmi dIkshitar
5.mitrI bhAgyamE-karaharapriyA-Adi-tyAgarAja (R,N,S,T)
6.ninnu cheppa-mandAri-Adi-patnam subramanya iyer (S)
7.RTP-Dharmavati-Adi(chatusra+tisra nadai)
8.gAyati vanamAli-gAvati-Adi-sadAsiva brahmEndra
9.tum bina mOrE-misra hindOlam-Adi-meera bhajan
10.tillAna-nIrOshtA-Adi-Madurai Sri.T.N.Seshagopalan

Neelakanta Sivan Cultural Academy,Velachery - 31/12/09

2010-01-06T18:06:00.004+05:30

Venue: Raja Kalyana Mantapam, Velachery

Accompanists:

Mysore Srikanth - Violin
R.Sankaranarayanan - Mridangam
Madipakkam Murali - Ghatam

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.Varnam-sudhadhanyAsi-Adi-muthiah bhAgavatar (S)
2.bhuvanEswariyA-mOhanakalyAni-Adi-Muthiah bhAgavatar
3.suguNamulE-chakravAham-rUpakam-tyAgarAjA (R,S)
4.virutham (arutpA)followed by endraikku siva kripai-mukhAri-misracApu-neelakanta sivan
5.kalyANarAma-hamsanAdam-Adi-UthukAdu vEnkatasubbier (R,N,S)
6.sri subramanyAya namastE-kAmbhOji-muttuswAmi dIkshitar (R,N,S,T)
7.virutham followed by chandiran oLiyil-chandrakauns-subramanya bhAratiyAr
8.kalyANa gOpAlam-sindubhairavi
9.tillAna-rEvati-lAlgudi jayarAman
10.mangaLam

Karthik Fine Arts - tamizh isai vizhA - 30/12/09

2010-01-06T17:53:00.005+05:30

This concert got fixed all of a sudden, since the artist as per the original schedule was indisposed on that day.

Venue : Valliammal College, Annanagar

Accompanists:

Smt.M.Narmadha - Violin
Sri Manoj Siva - Mridangam

Song list: (R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.varNam-nAttaikurinji-Adi-pApanAsam sivan (S)
2.AdAdu asangAdu-madhyamAvati-Adi-UthukAdu vEnkatasubbier
3.chittam irangAdadEnayya-sahAnA-misra cApu-pApanAsam sivan (R,S)
4.Edayya gati-chalanAta-Adi-kOteeswara iyer
5.punnagai onrE-hamsAnandi-Adi-ambujam krishnA (R)
6.virutham(arutpA) followed by nambikkettavar-hindOLam-Adi-pApanAsam sivan
7.innamum sandEha-keeravANi-misracApu-gOpAlakrishNa bhArati (R,N,S,T)
8.chinnanjiru kiLiyE-rAgamAlikA-Adi(tisra)-subramanya bhArati
9.virutham(pachai mAmalai) followed by pArthasArati-sumanEsaranjani-Adi-rukmini ramaNi
10.ponnAr mEniyanE-kurinji-rUpakam-tEvAram
11.kAdi mOdi-tiruppugazh

Brahma Gana Sabha - 26/12/09

2010-01-06T17:09:00.003+05:30

Venue : Sivakami Petachi Auditorium, Alwarpet

Accompanists:

Mysore Srikanth - Violin
Neyveli Skandasubramaniam - Mridangam
Papanasam Sethuraman - Kanjira

Song List:(R-Raga Alapana,N-Neraval,S-Kalpanaswaram,T-Tani Avarthanam)

1.sarasIruhAsanapriyE-nAtai-Adi-PuliyUr Duraisamy Iyer
2.nAn enna tavam-kamAs-Adi-UthukAdu Venkatasubbier (S)
3.vAnchatOnu-karNaranjani-Adi(tisra)-Muthiah bhAgavatar (R)
4.slOkam(Adi Shankara's Tripura Sundari Ashtakam),srI suganti-kuntalam (R)
5.chalamElarA-mArgahindOLam-Adi-tyAgarAjA
6.dAsarathE-tOdi-Adi-tyAgarAjA (R,N,S,T)
7.hiraNmayIm-lalitA-rUpakam-muttuswAmi dIkshitar
8.Virutham -kAntimati Pillai Tamizh-rAgamAlikA followed by tEdi unnai-sindubhairavi
9.indru varuvAnO-kalyANavasantam-Adi-rAjee krishnan
10.vattu naduvE-rAgamAlikA-Adi-periAzhwAr pAsuram
11.tillAnA-hamsAnandi-Adi-muthiah bhAgavatar

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!

2009-12-31T23:56:00.003+05:30

To all Music Rasikas and Bloggers,

Here is wishing you all a very HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR :-)

Let us all pray to the Almighty that the ensuing years be filled with peace and harmony.