Happy Deepavali! We have received an excellent response to our call for listener submissions. We really appreciate your involvement and enjoyed listening to each submission. Given the response, we will be spreading the submissions as well as our discussion on each selected entry across the next few episodes. In Part I, we feature submissions by: Kum. Ashraya Ananthanarayan who sent in a Tyagaraja composition in Bangala raaga, Adi tala and Smt. Durga Krishnan who submitted a thanam on veena in tw...
Oct 16, 2009•17 min
We wrap up our introductory series on Arohanam and Avarohanam with a discussion on whether or not raagas are entirely and solely defined by their corresponding ascending and descending scales. Using examples of raagas such as Reetigowlai, Madhyamavati, and Hamsaroopini, Vidya highlights the varying degrees in which textbook definitions of Arohanam and Avarohanam may (or may not) help understand the form of individual raagas.
Oct 01, 2009•12 min
We continue our discussion regarding arohanam and avarohanam, and define several terms commonly used in Carnatic music to describe raagas. With several examples and illustrations, Vidya elaborates on terms such as Audava, Shadava, Sampoorna, Krama, Vakra, Varja, Melakarta and Bhashanga, and describes how a raaga can frequently represent a combination of these attributes.
Sep 18, 2009•16 min
In this episode, we discuss two very familiar terms in Carnatic music: Arohanam refers to the ascending scale and avarohanam refers to the descending scale. Vidya shares some examples of raagas to discuss kinds of arohanam and avarohanam in terms of number of swarams and the impact of this on the phrases that are permitted. Finally, we discuss how the importance of the arohanam and avarohanam varies from one raaga to another as raagas continue to evolve over time.
Sep 09, 2009•18 min
We conclude our introductory series on talams, with a discussion on two chapu talams: misra chapu talam and kanda chapu talam. Vidya illustrates these talams using snippets from concert recordings of master musicians Smt. Brinda and Smt. Mukta; and Smt. D. K. Pattammal.
Aug 26, 2009•13 min
We continue our discussions of talas from the previous episode and name the seven basic talas in Carnatic music. Vidya highlights two very common talas: Rupaka tala and the Adi tala. She then explains the angas that make up these talas, and illustrates these with snippets from concert recordings of master musicians Sri G. N. Balasubramaniam and Smt. M. S. Subbulakshmi.
Aug 15, 2009•13 min
In this episode, we introduce the fundamentals of rhythm. Vidya explains how rhythm manifests itself in Carnatic music and discusses terms such as laya, kala, and tala. We finish this episode by defining the basic constituents of tala, called "angas".
Aug 05, 2009•13 min
In this segment, we look at the some more of the highlights of this short yet marvelous composition. Vidya uses this composition to showcase some of the salient phrases of this raaga and also illustrates the concept of improvisation known as “Neraval” in Carnatic music.
Jul 26, 2009•14 min
In this episode, we feature a popular composition "Maamava Meenakshi", by Sri. Muthusamy Dikshithar in the Raaga Varali. We begin this episode by talking about the history of the temple town of Madurai in South India -- known for the Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple. Vidya walks us through the structure and meaning of this brilliant piece.
Jul 16, 2009•19 min
We finish our analysis of Smt. Veena Dhanammal's Raagamalika thanam, by covering the remaining ghana raaga, Varali. Vidya explains how Smt. Dhanammal uses the two common notes between Sri (the previous raaga in the thanam) and Varali to transition from one to the other. Vidya also sings an improvisational segment to illustrate such a transition in sharp detail. Finally, Vidya highlights some of the salient aspects of Varali including the unique gandharam.
Jun 28, 2009•16 min
We continue our analysis of Smt. Veena Dhanammal's Raagamalika thanam. We discuss Sri raagam in this episode and Vidya points out some of the salient aspects of this raaga. Specifically, Vidya elaborates on the unique relationship between the rishabham and gandharam notes in Sri Ragam. She also highlights the key difference between the Thyagaraja and Dikshitar schools in handling this raaga.
Jun 18, 2009•13 min
We continue our analysis of Smt. Veena Dhanammal's Raagamalika thanam. The third and fourth raaga she plays are Arabhi and Sri, respectively. Vidya points out the specific phrases Smt. Veena Dhanammal uses to highlight Arabhi raagam. Vidya also touches upon a couple of key differences between Arabhi and its closely allied raaga, Sama. Finally, we finish this segment by reviewing the transition from Arabhi to Sri.
Jun 08, 2009•18 min
In this episode, we continue our exploration of the Raagamalika thanam rendition by Smt. Veena Dhanammal. The second and third raaga she plays are Gowlai and Arabhi, respectively. Vidya points out the specific phrases Smt. Veena Dhanammal uses to transition from Nattai to Gowlai, and also elaborates on several important Gowlai phrases that Smt. Veena Dhanammal uses. Finally, we finish this segment by reviewing the transition from Gowlai to Arabhi.
May 24, 2009•16 min
In this episode, we delve deeper into the Raagamalika thanam rendition by Smt. Veena Dhanammal. The first raaga she plays is the Raaga Nattai. Vidya elaborates on several important phrases and detailed nuances that Smt. Veena Dhanammal masterfully packed into a one minute snippet.
May 11, 2009•12 min
In the last segment, we heard a veena rendition by Smt. Veena Dhanammal. In this episode, we discuss her life, times, and contributions to the world of Carnatic music. Vidya shares with us additional details regarding the snippet we heard in the last episode - a raagamalika thanam in the five ghana raagas. We also discuss the term “ghana raagas”.
Apr 27, 2009•13 min
We conclude our two-part series on the Veena in this segment. We discuss the physical structure of the veena, how and where it is made, as well as how it is played. Finally, we share with you a snippet of a thaanam rendition by a very renowned vainika (veena player), Smt. Veena Dhanammal.
Apr 15, 2009•16 min
In this segment, we feature the Veena, a plucked string instrument unique to Carnatic music. We discuss the revered status given to this instrument in the Hindu tradition. The veena is mentioned in several Carnatic music compositions. Vidya renders a few snippets of compositions that have references to the veena.
Apr 02, 2009•17 min
In this episode, we would like to share some of the feedback we have been getting so far and answer some of your questions. We also give the answer to the Raaga Quiz: Mukhari vs. Bhairavi featured in Episode 28 and recognize listeners who submitted correct entries. Thanks a lot for all your comments and enthusiastic support. We really appreciate it!
Mar 26, 2009•21 min
In this episode, we shift the focus to the multiple final segments (Charanams) of the composition. By singing several snippets of this composition, Vidya illustrates its distinct aspects in a detailed fashion. We discuss the rhythmic and melodic structure of this gem. We also define the rhythmic term, “eduppu” and describe the different kinds of “eduppu”.
Mar 17, 2009•17 min
In this episode we feature a composition by Sri. Oothukaadu Venkatakavi. The composition "Alaavadennaalo", in Raaga Paras, is one of his Saptaratna kritis. We introduce the ragam Paras and mention some well known compositions in this ragam. This is a masterful piece that brings together a deep sense of devotion and humility, superb lyrics, and incredible compositional structure. We discuss in detail the first two segments of this composition (i.e., the Pallavi and the Anupallavi).
Mar 07, 2009•15 min
We continue our conversation from the last episode, and discuss Sri. Oothukadu's musical mastery, highlighting his rhythmic prowess as well as poetic genius. Vidya illustrates salient aspects of his compositional style using examples drawn from his compositions, including the universally popular Alaipayudhe Kanna.
Feb 24, 2009•20 min
We begin the episode with an introduction to the three composers known as the Trinity of carnatic music – Sri Thyagaraja, Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar and Sri Shyama Shastry. We continue our exploration by featuring a prolific pre-trinity composer: Sri. Oothukadu Venkatasubbier, also known as Oothukadu Venkatakavi. In this episode, Vidya shares with us some his popular compositions and discussed his exemplary contributions to Carnatic music.
Feb 13, 2009•21 min
We finish the discussion on Mukhari and its allied raaga Bhairavi with a quiz. Vidya sings two alapanas, one in Raaga Mukhari and the other in Raaga Bhairavi. Can you figure out which is which? If you know the answer, write to us! We will answer the quiz the next time we publish our Rasika's Voice segment. We will recognize winners as well!
Feb 03, 2009•9 min
In the last couple of episodes we featured the Raaga Mukhari. There are a number of raagas in Carnatic music that are closely allied to Mukhari, the most prominent of them being Bhairavi. In this episode, we discuss the similarities and differences between Mukhari and Bhairavi.
Jan 28, 2009•19 min
In this episode, we feature a Tyagaraja composition: Enthani Ne in Mukhari raaga. In this composition, Tyagaraja describes Shabhari's (a character in the Hindu epic Ramayana) good fortune because she was able to meet and serve Lord Rama. We highlight the wonderful way in which the composer employs various aspects of Raaga Mukhari to effectively bring out the high emotions connected to this story.
Jan 20, 2009•22 min
In this segment, we feature a raaga well known for its emotive appeal: Mukhari. As we discuss this raaga, we also cover a wide range of topics and define several terms in Carnatic music, such as: janya, shadava raaga, sampoorna raaga, and so on. We conclude the episode by talking about the fairly common misperception of Mukhari being a raaga associated with sadness and melancholy.
Jan 09, 2009•22 min
We continue our discussion from the previous episode and talk about Annamacharya's compositions. Specifically, we feature two of his compositions. The first is Oka Pari in raaga Kharakarapriya, rendered by Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr. Nedunuri Krishnamurthy. The second is the very popular Brahma Kadigina Padamu, in the raaga Mukhari.
Dec 26, 2008•20 min
In this episode, we feature a prolific composer who was born 600 years ago: Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya. He is one of the earliest and most prolific composers in South India who composed several thousand songs in the praise of Lord Venkateshwara. We discuss his composition format and style, and also the ongoing efforts to re-popularize his compositions. We conclude the episode with a snippet from a rendering of an Annamacharya composition by Ms. Srirangam Gopalaratnam.
Dec 19, 2008•16 min
We finish the discussion on Graha Bhedam with an illustration. Vidya discusses a graha bhedam performed by her guru Shri. Lalgudi Jayaraman in a Nattaikurinji raaga alapana to bring out the flavor of Neelambari raaga.
Dec 04, 2008•11 min
Continuing on the topic of "Shruti", in this episode we present the concept of Shruti Bhedam. Shruti Bhedam or Graha Bhedam is a form of improvisation in Carnatic Music where artistes transpose the raaga they are rendering to a new raaga by using a perception of a shift of their fundamental note or shadjam. Vidya illustrates this concept using the raaga Mohanam to bring out the raaga Madhyamavathy by a tonic shift.
Nov 28, 2008•19 min
