Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Music Forum - 29.12.08

Music Forum, Chennai, is a well known organization which has been regularly organizing innovative and thought-provoking panel discussions and Lecture Demonstrations.

I heard from a friend and also through an email from the forum that there was going to be an interactive session with kids of present-day musicians as participants, on the 29th of December.

The topic seemed to be "What does Carnatic Music mean to me?" and each child was supposed to talk on stage.

Yesterday morning, I asked my daughter Vishruthi if she would be interested to go and see how other kids were going to talk. She was very eager and hence both of us went to Ragasudha Hall, Luz.

When we reached, we saw Subhiksha Rangarajan (singer Lakshmi Rangarajan's daughter)talking. Sudha Raghunathan's daughter Malavika was the anchor person.

After that,Ghatam Karthick's son Sarvesh spoke a bit and played on the Mridangam.

One of the organizers Mrs.Usha suddenly came up to Vishruthi and asked if she would speak a little and sing a song ! The kid was taken aback for a minute and didn't know whether to say Yes or No !

Then I asked her to go and speak whatever she felt like and also sing any song of her choice.

Her turn came in the next five minutes and this was how she began :



















" I am Vishruthi Girish, daughter of singer Gayathri Girish, I study in class 5 in Bala Vidya Mandir, Adyar. I came here with my mother to see the other kids talk and suddenly people here have asked me to come on stage to talk and sing " !! And all of us burst out laughing !!

She spoke for about 3-4 minutes and then sang Seethamma Mayamma in Ragam Vasantha.

After this came the question-answer session. Someone there asked her who her favourite actor was. And she said "Shahrukh Khan " !!

Next, Ghatam Karthick (who was among the audience)asked her, "What will you tell your mother after a very successful concert of hers?" She said," I will congratulate her."
Next he asked her,"Suppose your mother had a very bad concert, what will you ask her after the concert?"

(I was wondering what would be her reply.)
There came her prompt answer;" Nothing, because my mother never sings badly !!" :-)

(I told myself: Wow ! The kid indeed knows how to give a diplomatic answer !!)

There was a big round of applause for this answer!

At the end of the program, all kids stood together for a group photo:
















(Standing from L to R:)
Vishruthi,Anirudh(son of Mridangist J.Balaji),Sarvesh(son of Ghatam Karthick),Srihari(son of violinist Vittal Ramamurthy),Subhiksha Rangarajan(daughter of singer Lakshmi Rangarajan), Malavika(daughter of Sudha Raghunathan),Kalasri(daughter of violinist Vittal Ramamurthy).

Narada Gana Sabha - 30.12.08
















Accompanists:

Pakkala Ramdas - Violin
Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan - Mridangam
Sree Sundarkumar - Kanjira

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


1. Varnam-Abhogi-Adi
2. Yochana-Durbar-Adi-Tyagaraja (S)
3. Manavyaala-Nalinakanthi-Adi-Tyagaraja (R,S)
4. Neerajakshi-Hindolam-Rupakam-Muthuswami Dikshitar (R)
5. Idadhu Padham-Kamas-Adi-Papanasam Sivan
6. Kamakshi Gowri-Saveri-Adi-Papanasam Sivan (R,N,S,T)
7. Anjana Vannanai-Kapi-Adi-Pasuram
8. Ramakrishnaru-Tilang-Adi(Misra Nadai)-Purandaradasa
9. Muddugare-Kurinji-Adi-Annamacharya
10.Thillana-Niroshta-Adi-Madurai.T.N.Seshagopalan

Monday, December 29, 2008

Raaga Manjari - A Garland of Ragamalikas























This audio album was launched on the 17th of December at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

It has eight compositions, all Ragamalikas, with beautiful,highly classical orchestration composed by Sri.K.S.Raghunathan,which serve as the preludes and interludes in each song.

Songs featured in the album:

1. Arabhimanam-Adi-Tarangampadi Panchanatha Iyer -
(Arabhi,Anandabhairavi,Kalyani,Hamsadhwani,Saranga,Sama,Mohanam,
Lalitha,Durbar,Bhairavi,Purvikalyani,Kamalamanohari)

2. Chandrachuda-Adi-Purandaradasa-
(Shankarabharanam,Sunadavinodini,Todi,Kamas)

3. Saanandam-Adi-Swati Tirunal-
(Kamalamanohari,Hamsadhwani,Revagupthi,Tarangini)

4. Arupadai Veedu-Adi-Traditional-
(Sunaadavinodini,Keeravani,Atana,Bowli,Abheri)

5. Sri Viswanatham (Chaturdasha ragamalika)-Adi-Muthuswami Dikshitar-
(Sri,Arabhi,Gowri,Naatai,Gowla,Mohanam,Sama,Lalitha,
Bhairavam,Saranga,Shankarabharanam,Kambhoji,Devakriya,Bhupalam)

6. Gaana Mazhai-Adi-Ambujam Krishna-
(Behag,Bowli,Manirang)

7. Needhan Thunai-Misra Chapu-N.S.Chidambaram-
(Neelambari,Anandabhairavi,Gowrimanohari,Saraswathi,
Sriranjani,Mohanakalyani,Durga,Jyothiswarupini)

8. Vattu Naduve-Adi-Periazhwar Pasuram
(Chenjurutti,Manirang,Peelu,Sindubhairavi)

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Valayapatti Kaashyap Naadhalaya Trust- 28.12.08















(This concert was held at Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Adyar)

Accompanists:

B.U.Ganeshprasad - Violin
J.Vaidyanathan - Mridangam
Madipakkam Murali - Ghatam

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


1. Varnam(Entho prema)- Surutti-Adi
2. Sidhi Vinayakam-Shanmukhapriya-Rupakam-Muthuswami Dikshitar (S)
3. Dinamani Vamsa-Harikambhoji-Adi-Tyagaraja
4. Azhaga Azhaga-Sudhadhanyasi-Kanta Chapu-Ambujam Krishna (R,S)
5. Ennalu Oorake-Subhapantuvarali-Misra Chapu-Tyagaraja
6. Pakkala Nilabadi-Karaharapriya-Misra Chapu-Tyagaraja (R,N,S,T)
7. Shanmugapriya Nayakan-Ragamalika-Adi-N.S.Chidambaram
8. Virutham(Thaditha Oru maganai-Ramalinga Swami Arutpa)
followed by Sottrunai Vedhiyan-Kedharagowla-Adi-Appar Tevaram
9. Vellai Thamarai-Bhimplas-Adi-Subramanya Bharathiyar
10.Sri Venkata Girisham-Surutti-Adi-Muthuswami Dikshitar

Well, it was nice to sing in my own "home territory"!!!- Adyar !

1)A huge,knowledgeable and appreciative crowd
2)No exodus during Thani
3)The entire audience sat through till the concert ended

which were all very heartening to see :-)

Brahma Gana Sabha - 27.12.08

















Accompanists:
B.U.Ganesh Prasad - Violin
B.Sivaraman - Mridangam
Adambakkam Shankar - Ghatam



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


1. Varnam- Sudhadhanyasi- Adi-Muthiah Bhagavathar
2. Hasthi Vadanaaya- Navroj- Misra Chapu- Muthuswami Dikshitar
3. Narasimha Mamava-Arabhi-Kanta Chapu-Maharaja Swati Tirunal (S)
4. Karunai Varumo-Charukesi-Adi- Papanasam Sivan (R)
5. Ninnu Cheppa-Mandari-Adi-Patnam Subramanya Iyer
6. Raa Raa Raajeeva Lochana-Mohanam-Adi-Mysore Vasudevachar (R,N,S,T)
7. Baagayanayya-Chandrajyothi-Adi-Tyagaraja
8. RTP-Bhairavi,Naayaki,Vasantha-Chatusra Jathi Jhampai (Kanta Nadai) (R,N,S)
9. Kakkai Chiraginile-Brindavana Saranga-Adi-Subramanya Bharathi
10.Sadha Enna-Behag-Rupakam-Vijaya Vittala Dasa
11.Slokam, Mangala Muruthi-Madhuvanthi-Adi-Tulsidas
12.Tiruppugazh(Kaadhi Modhi)-Chandrakouns

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The Hindu- Dated 23/12/08

Here is a review of the concert held under the auspices of Music Academy,Chennai on 18/12/08:
(This appeared in the Hindu dated 23/12/08.)


Monday, December 22, 2008

Chennayil Tiruvaiyaru - 22.12.08


















Accompanists:

Akkarai Subhalakshmi - Violin
J.Vaidyanathan - Mridangam
Sree Sundarkumar - Kanjira

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



1. Varnam-Valachi-Navaragamalika-Adi-Patnam Subramanya Iyer
2. Sugunamule-Chakravaham-Rupakam-Tyagaraja (S)
3. Swagatham Krishna-Mohanam-Adi(Tisra)-Uthukadu Venkatakavi
4. Saaga Varamum Arulvai-Varamu-Misra Chapu-Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi (R,S)
5. Slokam-(Meenakshi Pancharatnam)-Ahiri
followed by Mayamma-Ahiri-Adi-Shyama Sastri
6. Sarasa Saamadaana-Kapinarayani-Adi-Tyagaraja
7. Kaligiyunte-Keeravani-Adi-Tyagaraja (R,N,S,T)
8. Virutham(Siru Viralgal-Pasuram)-Ragamalika
followed by Gaana Mazhai-Ragamalika-Adi-Ambujam Krishna
9. Gopi Gopala-Gamanaashrama-Adi(Tisra)-Surdas
10.Tiruppugazh (Eenamigu thulappiravi)-Suruti

Naan Enna Tavam Seideno - Lyrics

As requested, I am giving below the lyrics for the song "Naan Enna Tavam Seideno", in Kamas, a composition of Uthukadu Venkatakavi, set to Adi Talam.

பல்லவி

நான் என்ன தவம் செய்தேனோ
யமுனை நதித் துறைவனிவன் பதத்திணையில் மனம்
இருத்திய பலரில் ஒருத்தியென மிக (நான்)

அனுபல்லவி

நான் என்ன தவம் செய்தும் நல்லதோர் பயனுற்றும்
பாட நாவென்ன தவம் செய்ததோ (என்)-கண்ணனை
நாடிப் பாடி பலமுறை மகிழ்ந்து உறவாடியாடி மனமிக கசிந்துருக (நான்)

சரணம்

கண்செய்த தவம் எல்லாம் கண்டதும் உய்ந்ததே
கரம் செய்த தவம் எல்லாம் சிரம் மேல் குவிந்ததே
பண் செய்த தவம் எல்லாம் பாடி மகிழ்ந்ததே
பதியும் நீ நிதியும் நீ மதியும் நீ கதியும் நீ எனவும் படம்
எடுத்தாடும் காளிங்க சிரத்தில் பதமிதித்தாடும் அய்யனைப் பாடவும் (நான்)

Friday, December 19, 2008

Music Academy - 18.12.08



































Accompanists:
B.U.Ganeshprasad - Violin
Poongulam Subramaniam - Mridangam
Madipakkam Murali - Ghatam

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



1.Varnam- Sahana-Adi-Tiruvatriyur Tyagayyar
2.Sri Madhurapuri- Bilahari-Rupakam-Muthuswami Dikshitar
3.Nee Chithamu- Dhanyasi-Misra Chapu-Tyagarajar (R,S)
4.Antharanga Bhakthi- Shadvidhamargini-Adi-Koteeswara Iyer
5.Pranathaarthihara- Melaragamalika -First two chakras-Adi-Maha Vaidyanatha Sivan
6.Sudhamayi-Amruthavarshini-Rupakam-Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar (N)
7.Koniyaadina Napai-Kambhoji-Adi-Veenai Kuppier (R,N,S,T)
8.Thunai Purindharul- Varamu-Adi-Papanasam Sivan
9.RTP-Shanmukhapriya- Misra Triputa (R,N,S)
10.Nath Hare-Ahirbhairavi-Adi-Jayadevar Ashtapathi
11.Irakkam Varamal-Behag-Rupakam-Gopalakrishna Bharathi
12.Thillana-Niroshta-Adi-Madurai.T.N.Seshagopalan
13.Mangalam

In this concert,I particularly liked Poongulam Subramaniam's playing for the Misra Chapu Krithi Nee Chithamu and the main Krithi Koniyaadina Naapai.

Karthik Fine Arts - 17.12.08


















Accompanists:
V.Sanjeev - Violin
Kallidaikurichi Sivakumar - Mridangam
SreeSundarkumar - Kanjira

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



1. Varnam - Panthuvarali-Adi-Shatkala Narasayya
2. Seethapathi - Kamas-Adi-Tyagaraja (S)
3. Aanirai meyndhaada(Virutham)
followed by Adadhu Asangadhu-Madhyamavathi-Adi-Uthukadu Venkatakavi
4. Giripai - Sahana-Adi-Tyagaraja (R)
5. Chinthaye Mahalinga - Paras-Adi-Muthuswami Dikshitar (S)
6. Raave Parvatharajakumari - Kalyani-Misra Jhampa-Syama Sastri (R,N,S,T)
7. Needhan Thunai - Ragamalika-Misra Chapu-N.S.Chidambaram
8. Irakkam Varamal - Behag-Rupakam-Gopalakrishna Bharathi
9. Thillana - Sindhubhairavi-Adi-Uthukadu Venkatakavi

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Sri Rama Bhaktha Jana Samaj - 16.12.08


















Accompanists:

Mysore Srikanth - Violin
J.Vaidyanathan - Mridangam
B.S.Purushotham - Kanjira

This venue always has an excellent audience and the most surprising thing was that not one person stirred from his/her seat during the brilliant Thani Avarthanam between JV and BSP :-)

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


1. Varnam - Saveri - Adi
2. Virutham followed by Margazhi Thingal - Naatai - Adi
3. Janani Ninnuvina - Reethigowla - Misra Chapu - Subbaraya Sastri (R,S)
4. Naan Enna thavam - Kamas - Adi - Uthukadu Venkatasubbier
5. Ninnu neranammi - Panthuvarali - Rupakam - Tyagarajar (R,N,S)
6. Chitham Irangaadhadhu - Sahana - Misra Chapu - Papanasam Sivan
7. Edhuta Nilichithe - Shankarabharanam - Adi - Tyagarajar (R,N,S,T)
8. Slokam, Pravisha Radhe - Misra Sivaranjani - Kanta Chapu - Jayadeva
9. Tamburi Meetidava - Sindhubhairavi - Adi - Purandaradasa
10.Villinai - Kavadi Chindu - Subramanya Bharathiyar
11. Thillana - Hamsanandhi - Adi - Muthiah Bhagavathar
12. Mangalam

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Mylapore Fine Arts Concert - 15.12.08


Here is a quick post on yesterday's concert at Mylapore Fine Arts Club:

















Accompanists:

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

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


1. Vanajaksha -(Varnam) - Reethigowla - Ata
2. Merusamana - Mayamalavagowla - Adi - Tyagarajar (S)
3. Natamaadum Naadhanadi - Purvikalyani - Kanta Chapu - Gopalakrishna Bharathi (R,N,S)
4. Kulabirudunu - Devamanohari - Rupakam - Tyagarajar
5. Ivanaaro - Kambhoji - Misra Chapu - Kavikunjara Bharathi
6. Sri Krishnam Bhaja - Thodi - Adi - Muthuswami Dikshitar (R,N,S,T)
7. Chalamelara - Margahindolam - Adi - Tyagarajar
8. RTP - Amruthavarshini - Kanta Triputa (R,N,S)
"Anandini Aakarshini amruthavarshini avathu maam akhila jana"
9. Slokam in Ragas Madhyamavathi, Purvikalyani, Mukhari, Mohanam, Dhanyasi, Natakurinji, Saveri followed by Bhavayami Raghuramam - Ragamalika - Rupakam - Maharaja Swati Tirunal
10.Smara Varam - Jog - Adi - Sadasiva Brahmendra
11.Virutham, Chandiran Oliyil - Chandrakouns - Misra Chapu - Bharathiyar
12.Mangalam

A conspicuous absentee at this concert and my earlier one at Sastri Hall,was an elderly gentleman (late) Sri.Rajaraman.

An ardent music lover, he never used to miss my concert at Sastri Hall and, in particular,at Mylapore Fine Arts, during every December.

He had organized for a thematic concert of mine, earlier in May this year. Seeing the success of this, he had planned for another one for the 22nd of August,this year. But this concert never materialized - I was shocked beyond belief when I saw his name in the Hindu Obituary column the very same day - 22nd of August,2008.

I am planning to present a thematic concert with the same theme that he had planned, maybe sometime in Feb/March 2009, specially dedicated to Mr.Rajaraman.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Dinamalar-Daily Newspaper Dated 15/12/08

Here is a review of the concert held under the auspices of Nungambakkam Cultural Academy on 10/12/08:
(This appeared in Dinamalar dated 15/12/08.)

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Shanthi Arts Foundation and Endowment- 13.12.08

















This was held at Srinivasa Sastri Hall, Luz.

Accompaniments:
Mysore Srikanth - Violin
J.Vaidyanathan - Mridangam
Raman - Morsing


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

1. Varnam - Thodi - Adi - Patnam Subramanya Iyer
2. Makelara - Ravichandrika - Adi - Tyagaraja (S)
3. Virutham (Ezhai Thozhumban) - Saveri (Dharmasamvardhani Malai)
followed by Varmamaa - Saveri - Rupakam - Anai-ayya
4. Nadhupai - Madhyamavathi - Kanta Chapu - Tyagaraja (R,S)
5. Utrumai Servadhu - Shankarabharanam - Adi - Tirugnanasambandar Tevaram
6. Ninne Nammithi - Simhendramadhyamam - Misra Chapu - Mysore Vasudevachar (R,N,S,T)
7. Sri Madhava - Behag- Adi - Papanasam Sivan
8. Thillana - Chandrakouns - Adi(Tisra) - Madurai.T.N.Seshagopalan
9. Mangalam


A review of this concert appeared in today's Tamil Daily, Dinamani.
Here it is:

Dinathandhi-Daily Newspaper Dated 12/12/08

A review of my concert at Meenakshi College on 5th December,2008, appeared in the Dinathandhi daily on the 12th December.
I have scanned it and I am publishing it here.

Indian Express- Dated 9/12/08




























(Actually, if you noticed, even the corrigendum is wrong - in the above review,only the photograph was wrong, caption for photo and review are correct, but the corrigendum seems to mention it wrong.)

Nungambakkam Cultural Academy-10.12.08





Accompaniments:

Mysore Srikanth- Violin
Neyveli Skandasubramanyam - Mridangam
Guruprasad - Ghatam







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


1. Varnam - Begada - Adi - Veena Kuppa Iyer (S)
2. Nannu Brova - Abhogi - Adi- Tyagaraja (R)
3. Amba Neelaayathakshi - Neelambari- Adi - Muthuswami Dikshitar
4. Saravanabhava Guhane - Kannada- Adi - Papanasam Sivan
5. Hiranmayim Lakshmim - Lalitha - Rupakam - Muthuswami Dikshitar (R,S)
6. Sarasa Samadana - Kapinarayani - Adi - Tyagarajar
7. Kuniththa Puruvamum (Virutham - Tirunaavukarasar Tevaram) - Keeravani
followed by Vaananai - Tirunaavukkarasar Tevaram - Misra Chapu - Keeravani
8. Parama Pavana Rama - Purvikalyani - Adi - Poochi Srinivasa Iyengar (R,N,S,T)
9. Enthaayum Enakkarul, Padikkinrilai - Ragamalika Virutham
followed by Kaliyuga Varadan - Brindavana Saranga - Adi - Periasami Thooran
10.Naadhavindhu Kalaadhi - Kurinji - Adi - Arunagirinathar

This concert was on the day prior to Tiruvannamalai Karthigai Deepam, hence I chose to include Vaananai and Naadhavindhu Kalaadhi in my list that day.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Music Season Concerts' Updates

In response to both requests through email and posts from music lovers who have written here, I will be putting up song lists, experiences and newspaper/magazine write-ups (if any) for each of my concerts during the season.

I had a concert today at Sastri Hall. I will first post about my earlier concert and then post about today's concert separately.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Remembering MS Amma

M.S.SUBBALAKSHMI(16TH SEPTEMBER 1916 - 11TH DECEMBER 2004)

I think it was the year 1997.

I was recording for an audio album at Sathya Studios, Chennai. Half-way through a particular song, I could see people suddenly getting busy to receive someone there at the studio. One person started arranging chairs, another person cleared away the papers and pencils lying on the table. Assistants came up twice or thrice and whispered something into the recording engineer's ears.

I continued to sing, finished my song and came out, only to find none other than MS Amma (who had come to do a recording) sitting patiently on a chair outside the studio !!!

For a minute I was stunned and stood speechless. The next thing I did was to prostrate in front of her and get her blessings.The people there apologized to her, for having made her wait outside the studio. But do you know what MS Amma said ??!! She said," குழந்தை பாடிண்டு இருந்தா, பாதில நிறுத்த சொல்லவே கூடாது,அல்லது continuity போயிடும்" (the child is singing, we should never interrupt anyone while singing, lest the continuity gets disrupted)!! Such was her humility ! She had waited outside till I had finished that entire song !

The Year 1999:

I was invited to sing at Puttaparthi on the occasion of the birthday of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Saibaba.

At this point, let me first write briefly about Sri.Ra.Ganapathy. He is one of the most fortunate souls to have had a wonderful association with the Paramacharya of Kanchipuram and who has authored the wonderful volumes of தெய்வத்தின் குரல் (Deivaththin Kural). Ganapathy Anna, (as we all call him) also has an association with Bhagawan Sathya Saibaba for many years now. He has composed several songs on Bhagawan, set to tune and sung by MS Amma.







(MS Amma holds my daughter on her lap)










So while preparing for this particular concert, when I approached Anna for a few of his songs, he arranged for me to learn two or three songs from MS Amma ! I went to her residence and had the fortune of learning two Sai Bhajans from her- Janani Sayee in Purvikalyani and Leelaanataka Sayee in Kurinji. I was amazed to see her simplicity, when she readily agreed to teach an upcoming youngster like me !

The next incident was in the year 2000:

Violinist R.K.Shriramkumar asked me if I would be interested to sing in MS Amma's house in Kotturpuram on one of the days during Navarathri, for about an hour-and-a-half. I was delighted at this opportunity and was present there as scheduled. Sitting in front of her, with just a Sruthi-Box and no accompaniments, I sang. There were a few other friends of MS Amma present. She closed her eyes and listened with rapt attention.

After this concert, she told me something that really stunned me. A week before this particular concert at her residence, I had sung on radio. MS Amma referred to this radio program and said, "நான் radio'ல கேட்டேன்,ஸரகுண பாலிம்ப ரொம்ப நன்னா இருந்தது" ("I heard you on radio, you sang Saraguna Palimpa very well"). I thought, "What?? MS Amma remembers what I sang on radio a week back??" I just couldn't believe my ears. Then she asked me," நீ தப்பா எடுத்துக்கலைனா நான் ஒரு விஷயம் சொல்லலாமா?"( can I tell you something if you wouldn't mistake me?"). Still under the shock, I just weakly nodded. She pointed to two or three places in that radio concert, where I could improve and gave me pointers as to how to do it. She also gave me tips on voice modulation, methods to take care of the voice and so on. I just cannot forget this experience.

11th December 2004:

The inevitable happened.

I was one among the thousands, who had thronged to the residence of MS Amma at Kotturpuram, to pay our last respects to this great soul.

Almost the entire city of Chennai- from VIPs to lay persons, from fans to musicians were gathered there, grief-stricken.

Such was the aura that MS Amma had created.

Divya Prabandham - Part 7

(Tiruchchanda Virutham - Part 4):
Lyrics and Meanings of verses telecast on 6.12.08:

குலங்களாய ஈரிரண்டில் ஒன்றிலும் பிறந்திலேன்
நலங்களாய நற்கலைகள் நாலிலும் நவின்றிலேன்,
புலன்கள் ஐந்தும் வென்றிலேன்,பொறியிலேன் புனித,நின்
இலங்கு பாதம் அன்றி மற்று ஓர் பற்று இலேன் எம் ஈசனே !

Meaning: Alas ! I am not fortunate enough to hail from well-bred families. Oh Lord, I am not well-read in the culture of the four Vedas,I have not won over my five senses. Oh Holy One ! the only source of life that I have, is the life of Service at Your Feet !

ஊனின் மேய ஆவி நீ; உரக்கமோடு உணர்ச்சி நீ;
ஆனில் மேய ஐந்தும் நீ; அவற்றுள் நின்ற தூய்மை நீ;
வானினோடு மண்ணும் நீ; வளங்கடல் பயனும் நீ;
யானும் நீ; அது அன்றி எம்பிரானும் நீ; இராமனே !

Meaning: ஆன் - பசுமாடு, வளங்கடல்- பவகடல்

Oh Lord ! You are the sleeping and waking states. You are the life within the body. You are the five delights and purity of a cow. You are the Earth, the Sky and the Ocean and You are all their wealth. You are my soul. You are my Master- Oh Lord Sitaram

வாள்கள் ஆகி நாள்கள் செல்ல நோய்மை குன்றி மூப்பு எய்தி
மாளும் நாள் அது; ஆதலால் வணங்கி வாழ்த்து என் நெஞ்சமே,
ஆளது ஆகும் நன்மை என்று நன்குணர்ந்து, அது அன்றியும்,
மீள்வு இலாத போகம் ! நல்க வேண்டும் மால பாதமே

Meaning: மூப்பு- முதுமை

Our days are passing like a saw with illness and infirmity. The day of death is hanging low, so please offer praise and bow to the Lord. Oh Heart ! Know that the only good is, service to His Holy Feet. The Lord will grant the permanent- a life on Earth without return.

Divya Prabandham- Part 6

(Tiruchchanda Virutham - Part 3):
Lyrics and Meanings of verses telecast on 29.11.08:

புன் புல வழி அடைத்து அரக்கு- இலச்சினை செய்து,
நன் புல வழி திறந்து, ஞான நற் சுடர் கொளீ இ,
என்பு- இல் எள்கி, நெஞ்சு உருகி, உள்கனிந்து எழுந்ததோர்,
அன்பில் அன்றி, ஆழியானை யாவர் காண வல்லரே

Meaning: என்பு - எலும்பு, வழி அடைத்து- அவித்து

Subdue the senses,seal its paths with sealing wax.Throw open the portal doors of the heart and light a lamp in it. A shaking body, melting heart and quaking voice of ripe wisdom, with the Love for the Lord rising high,is the only way to see the Lord.


எட்டும் எட்டும் எட்டுமாய், ஓர் ஏழும் ஏழும் ஏழுமாய்,
எட்டும் மூன்றும் ஒன்றும் ஆகி நின்ற ஆதி தேவனை,
எட்டின் ஆய பேத மோடு இரைஞ்சி நின்று, அவன் பெயர்,
எட்டு எழுத்தும் ஓதுவார்கள் வல்லர் வானம் ஆளவே.

Meaning: The twenty-four principles, the twenty-one( seven lands, seven mountains, seven seas), the twelve Adityas- the Lord is the primary cause of these. The dear devoted worshippers,who prostrate at His Lotus Feet, and learn his name in eight letters,are rulers of the sky above.

கடைந்த பாற்கடல் கிடந்து,காலநேமியைக் கடிந்து,
உடைந்த வாலி தன், தனக்கு உதவ வந்து,இராமனாய்
மிடைந்த ஏழ் மரங்களும் அடங்க எய்து,வேங்கடம்
அடைந்த மால பாதமே அடைந்து நாளும் உய்ம்மினோ

Meaning: கடிந்து- கடந்து, உய்ம்மினோ - வாழுங்கள்

O Lord residing in the milky white ocean ! O Kalanemi-vanquisher ! You came on earth as Rama, you gave your word to Sugreeva,and shot an arrow through the trees. O Lord who lives in Venkatam ! O People on the dainty Earth ! Come, love the Lord and live again !

Divya Prabandham-Part 5

(Tiruchchanda Virutham - Part 2):
Lyrics and Meanings of verses telecast on 22.11.08:

கொண்டை கொண்ட கோதை மீது தேன் உலாவு கூனி கூன்
உண்டை கொண்டு அரங்க ஒட்டி உள் மகிழ்ந்த நாதன் ஊர்
நண்டை உண்டு, நாரை பேர,வாளை பாய,நீலமே,
அண்டை கொண்டு கெண்டை மேயும் அந்தண் நீர் அரங்கமே

Meaning: கோதை-முடி, உண்டை- உருண்டை, கெண்டை-மீன்

Kooni, who wore bee-humming flower-set hair,gave him sandal paste and got him straighten her curved humpy back. He resides in Rangam-oor,where waters of the river flow,with the crane,crab and kayal-fish and kendai residing in the river.


நடந்த கால்கள் நொந்தவோ? நடுங்க ஞாலம் ஏனமாய்,
இடந்த மெய் குலுங்கவோ? இலங்கு மால் வரைச்சுரம்
கடந்த கால் பரந்த காவிரிக் கரைக் குடந்தையுள்,
கிடந்தவாறு எழுந்திருந்து பேசு; வாழி, கேசனே !

Meaning: ஏனம் - பன்றி, சுரம்- காடு

Is it because Your Feet are hurt,is it because your body aches- through the feat of lifting Lady Earth,through the feat of traversing the Earth,that you lie amidst the Kaveri,that spreads out in the Kudandhai plains? Please, O Lord, speak a word, O Kesava, my Wonder Boar !

நின்றது எந்தை ஊரகத்து,இருந்தது எந்தை பாடகத்து,
அன்று வெஃகணைக் கிடந்தது, என் இலாத முன்னெலாம்,
அன்று நான் பிறந்திலேன்;பிறந்த பின் மறந்திலேன்,
நின்றதும் இருந்ததும் கிடந்ததும் என் நெஞ்சுளே

Meaning: When I was non-existent, the Lord reclined in Vehhanai, the Lord stood in Paadagam, the Lord sat in Ooragam.But once the Self was born,it has never forgotten;His standing, sitting,reclining-all the acts are imprinted in my heart.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Mail from a music lover...

I got a mail today from a Rasika, Mr.Nagraj, saying that he wanted to post a comment here regarding my concert that took place on 5th Dec,2008.

Since the file size is a bit too large to be posted as a comment, he apparently had problems uploading it and hence requested me to put it up as a separate post.
So, here it goes:
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The very courage GG had, to team up with Thavil maestro Padmashri Haridwaramangalam Shri. AK Palanivel for her concert on 05 Dec 2008, needs special appreciation. Because, not many dare to take the road less traveled. Also, when not many male artists take this kind of a risk, with her melodious voice, GG has performed alongwith HAKP for the second consecutive year at the same venue.

Before GG and the co-artists took the stage(her home ground), there was an element of doubt for an elderly, well-learned person (Mama) sitting behind me, whether this combination would work out. Also, he said, ‘This lady has improved a lot consistently in the last 4 – 5 years and is silently marching towards the number one slot’.

The way GG took the center stage with confidence and poise, well-dressed in contrast to the stage backdrop, it did indicate what was in store for the next 3 hours. She drew the attention of the audience with popular ‘ Sri Maha Ganapathim’ in Gowla, followed by another familiar ‘Swaminatha Paripalaya’. By then, the battle with the audio system and balancing act was over and the audience were grooved in to the concert.

Then, she hooked on the audience further with ‘janarajagamana’ “Swagatham Krishna” in Mohanam. Ganapathiraman’s gumuki on Mrudhangam came to special soothing effect to create perfect mood for the song. Racy phrases were rightly addressed by HAKP.

It was ‘Saamaja vara gamana’ in Hindolam, (made to reach common man through the famous film “Shankarabharanam’), where GG traversed through the upper and lower octaves with sheer beauty in the alapana section. There were outstanding cohesive laya patterns framed by the percussionists, including Adambakkam Shankar on Ghatam, that made the song very appealing. Moods of violin were well brought out by Shri. Ganeshprasad. And, GG went on to bring out the emotional / aesthetic beauty in the line‘ Vedasiro…’. Swara patterns were good and HAKP encouraged well to bring out the best of manodharma in the artist.

Emani pogadura Srirama, in Veeravasantham was a small piece that made a good filler before the main item. Percussion followed the sahityam beautifully.

Main piece of the evening was, ‘Bala Gopala Palaya Sumam’ in Bhairavi. GG effortlessly touched both the low and high notes, to paint the raga beautifully. Here, a special mention needs to be made on HAKP’s following the sahityam and swaras closely. With perfect anticipation, he clearly marked start / end of phrases and that was a beauty. Thani avarthanam was deferred.

Seethamma Mayamma in vasantha was fast paced and good to listen.

Then we realized that a Ragam Thanam Pallavi ‘Kalaimagalin Thiruppadam dhinamum ninai’ was in store. It was constructed in Saraswathi followed by Ragamalika in Hamsadhwani, Vagadeeswari and Hamsanadham that was worth listening. Special laya patterns were played by HAKP & group during the extended ‘thani’ that brought the thunders down.
‘Ponnar Meniyane’ in Kurinchi is generally a hit among GG’s audience. In fact, in one of the GG’s reviews in a Tamil daily last year, the title itself was ‘Ponnar meniyane’ and it spoke so much about the emotional content pitched in

To end the concert, it was a thillana in Hamsanandhi which left the audience asking for more. But the three hours were over by then and it was 9.15 p.m. It was a good, learned, responsive, appreciative audience and therefore, the outcome was also good.

Sincerely, I opine that this novel idea of singing with thavil deserves better accolades. But to have a good reach, GG needs a better platform, better Sabha with mass exposure.

Don’t know, why such special concerts do not get much of the attention of the media and critics. It was nice to see GG in full form and I am sure she has a very good season ahead. Wish her all the very best.

Nagraj

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Saturday, December 6, 2008

Concert with Tavil accompaniment-5.12.08




I am posting this after finishing my concert today (actually yesterday, because its already 1.05 a.m now!!)at Meenakshi College,Kodambakkam. This was my first concert at this year's December Music Season.

We (Ganeshprasad on violin, Ganapathiraman on mridangam and Adambakkam Shankar on Ghatam and myself) were fortunate to have had Padmasri Vidwan.Haridwaramangalam.Sri.Palanivel performing with us on stage.

I am not going to write about what I sang at this concert.I am just going to share with all of you the kind of atmosphere that prevailed on stage during the concert. I must say that it is a totally different experience to sing with the Tavil. What different patterns he gave while playing for each song ! I really enjoyed whatever I sang.

Sri.Palanivel is an artiste who has had years and years of experience in this percussion form and he kept encouraging all of us throughout the concert.All of us were enjoying each others' singing/playing and on the whole, the atmosphere that was created was very pleasant. I strongly believe that this kind of camaraderie and teamwork plays a vital role in the success of any concert.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

The Music Season has begun !

It has been 10 days since my last post- with the torrential rains last week in Chennai and kids indoors all the time, it was like working over-time for me :-)

The Music Season in Chennai has begun, Sabha inaugurations will soon happen one after the other.We will start witnessing the festive atmosphere here at Chennai, at all the sabhas (concert halls and canteens inclusive!!)

This spectacular Music Festival is definitely an event to witness!

In the previous years, I have always attended concerts of other musicians during the Music Season, but with my own schedule getting more and more hectic, it becomes next to impossible to be able to do the same. I welcome music lovers to share their general experiences about the Season..I will come up with updates and my experiences as frequently as possible.

Wishing all Chennai-ites great listening ! And, isn't this tempting enough for non-Chennai-ites to sneak a peek into the city sometime this month?? :-)