Prince Rama Varma

Carnatic Musicians
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sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

A few comments about the Thuckalay concert, from Varmaji's fanpage
on Facebook.
Tranquil Turf added 5 new photos from August 28 at 7:00am.
19 hrs · Thuckalay ·
PINCE RAMA VARMA – Vocal, AVANEESWARAM S.R.VINU = Violin, Dr.G.BABU – Mridangam, PERUKAVU P.L.SUDHEER – GHATAM.
Venue: Sri Parthasarathy Temple – Thuckalay – Kanyakumari Dist.
Auspex: Karna Ranjini Sangeetha Sabha – 27th Aug 2016 – Saturday 6.45 PM to 9PM.

Sri.A.Narayanan Potty invited all and introduced the artists on the sadhas to the audience in Malayalam
Rama Varmaji started his consort with the cute Khandajathi Ata thaala varnam in Telugu “ VIRIBONI NINNE “ set in Bhiravi ragam, which was composed by Sri Pacchimiriyyam Audiappa Iyyah ( Guru of Syama Sastri). A beautiful invocation of Mannargudi Rajagopala swamy was a lively start. Before the start of the program, when Prince was praying in front of the Sreekovil, I saw a kite hovering over. I thought yes, today little Krishna will have a musical feast. That came true with the very first rendition. The nayaka nayika bhaavam was very beautifully brought out in the rendition, though it was a vibrant Bhiravi., beautifully sung in Trikaalam.

This was followed by his Guru Shri.M.Bala Muralikrishna Sir’s Tamil composition on Lord Ganesha “ PIRAI ANIYUM PERUMAAN MAINDHANAI ” set in Hamsadwani ragam. While singing the line starting Murali Mridanga, he looked at Dr.Babu on Mridangiam . that’s the mudra of Prince, fully connected to his entire team live through out his performance. This was a brilliant rendition with subtle improvisation yet strictly adhering the Manodharmam ground rules. Was a lovely Royal fast troika feel…to put it in layman terms. Ebb and tide of octaves in sine waves Style  . the way he traversed across the lower octaves and upper octaves and beyond was a karna ranjini ( feast to sense organ – ear ) indeed. Vinu was amazing as usual In 2oo% unison.

Then came Swati Thirunaal Kriti, “ PARAMA PURUSHAM HRUDAYA “ in Sanskrit on Lord Krishna, set in Lalitha Panchamam ragam ( Paa added in Lalitha ragam). The Royal troika traversed tri kalam, post charnam 3. Its bound, as its mentioned in the Kriti that its Murali ghaanam, the Lord who brings in the nuances to this Lalitha Panchamam. The Sadhas, just opposite to the Shrine, you can just imagine the combined effect of our Prince and the Cosmic Prince jointly rendering the kriti.

Then he sang Thyagaraja Kriti “ RAMINSUVAA EVARURAA “ in Telugu, on Lord Rama, set in a rare Raga ‘ Suponshini’., a derivative of Hari Kaambhoji ragam. The feel of the kriti and melody of the delivery was so smoothening and soothing to the audience as they shook and gently rocked their heads to the tune of the song. The power of Raama naamam very beautifully deliv ered through this kriti.

Then came the main rendition of the day. A very beautifully detailed powerful Aalaapanam of Panthuvaraali Ragam for close to 30 minutes kept people spellbound. His exploration beyond the 14 notes, lower octave and upper octave was like crossing the 7 realms up and 7 realms down – for those would have closed their eyes and just visualized the energy and raga flow. “ SARASAAKSHARA PARIPAALAYA” – Swati Thirunal Kriti in Sanskrit on Lord Krishna was lively. During swara session, he was kind enough for giving 1 chance for Anaahata also ( nil swaram and nil layam by all 4)  . Thani aavarthanam also spaciously well delivered by both Dr.Babu & Sri. Sudheer.

Vote of thanks was given by Smt.Pattammal.S.Narayanan in Tamil. She equated the flow of the music like that of water flow. As she told “ 1. Bhiravi was like standing by the shore of Kanyakumari. When he was singing in 1st Kaalam it was like waves approaching slowly. Thisra jathi was like waves bit forcible with ups and downs. And in 2nd kaalam it was waves flush with surf and energy. 2. Hamsadvani was like the divine, deep, vast Ganga. Raaga bhavam, Mano dharmam and Mandra Sthaayi were beautifully managed all across like his Guru BMK Sir 3. Kandachaapu thaalam + swaram in Lalitha Panchamam was like standing under the rattling waters of Kuttralam water falls. 4. Suponshini was like travelling over mild waves with tender rock and roll in a shallow sea. 5. Panthuvaraali was like visualizing Mt.Kailash. She also praised Vinu for his beautiful accompaniment in Violin. The entire Manodharmam was fully reproduced extempore shows the mastery on music. While telling about Mridangam and Ghatam, she told it was imitating the thandavam of Shiva and Shakti respectively. All the 4 on the sadhas were honoured.

This was followed by Ambujam Krishna’s composition – “ OM NAMO NARAYANAA ENDRU ULLAM URUGA” in Tamil on Lord Narayanan set in Karna ranjani ragam was sung. Varmaji took care to sing this song, as the invite for the event came from Karna ranjini Sangeetha Sabha – Thuckalay.

This was followed by a note composed by Deekshitar. “ PANKAJAMUKHA SHANKARAHITA “ in Sanskrit on Lord Narayana “ Though people opine it to be in ShankarAbharanam Ragam, it is a seemingly plain note that gave a western tinge to the concert.

BalaMuralikRishna Sir’s THILAANA in Kunthalavaraali ragam was a scintillating penultimate. You may get the feel of the same by watching the link which has the same Thilaanaa in the same pace. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzoHeh4 ... re=related

Mangalam was Swati Thirunal’s “ BHUJAGA SAYINO NAAMA MANGALAM “ in Sanskrit on Lord Anantha Padmanabhan set in Yadhukula Kaambhoji ragam set the concluding tone.

A nice ambience, wonderful audience, beautiful rendition. Was a splendid concert.

Since Kalkulam – Thuckalay (Padmanabhapuram as its now referred) was the erstwhile capital of Travancore Province till mid 18th Century, it was so emotionally close to the audience to see their Thampuraan sing a lovely concert sitting in front of them. Prince Rama Varma ji also would have felt special in this concert at a relatively very sub urban area, some thing like his Home Pitch / his own place.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/prince.rama.varma/

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Varmaji with
Sri.S.R.Vinu- Violin and
Sri.B.Harikumar-Mridangam,
to give a concert at 6:00 pm on September 4th,
at Siddartha Auditorium,
P.B. Siddartha Arts and Science College Campus,
Mogalrajapuram,
Vijayawada.

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »


sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »


sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Varmaji pays tribute to his Grandmother Maharani Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi and
Sangeetha Kalanidhi M.S.Subbulakshmi Amma who shared the same birthday,
with a concert at the
Sri Swathi Thirunal Sangeetha Sabha,
Karthika Thirunal Theatre,
East Fort, Trivandrum,
with Avaneeswaram Sri S.R.Vinu ,
Sri B.Harikumar ,
Dr S.Karthick and Payannur Sri Govindaprasad,
at 6pm on September 28th, Wednesday.

A video of Varmaji with M.S.Amma
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pOxBKXs2Yo

and a speech when Prof.Seetha Rajan got the M.S.Subbulakshmi Award
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7i3V6WEFBU


sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Combined Centenary Tribute to Maharani of Music and
Maharani of Travancore.


https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... gBWsox8zgr

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Ramineni Foundation presents
Puraskarams to
Dr.G.Satheesh Reddy,
Dr.Urvasi Sarada,
Gadar and
Dr.Gopichand Mannam
on Wednesday, 12th October,
at Image Gardens,
HITEC City, Madhapur,.
The evening begins with a music concert by
Prince Rama Varma with
Avaneeswaram.Sri S.R.Vinu
Sri B.Harikumar
Dr.S.Karthick and
Payyannur Sri Govindaprasad from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.
Those interested to attend are requested to be seated
by 5:45 pm.

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Mohanamayi at Navarathri Mandapam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlai1SuNrvQ

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Amruthavarshini from Navarathri Mandapam

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fedb2IvzsHo

Bhairavi upload by Sri T.V.Gopalakrishnan

Artist: Prince Ramavarma - Carnatic Vocal
Concert ID: 01-C5040
Download from https://www.sangeethapriya.org/down.php
Additional Information:
---------------------
S.No.4967 - DTH - AIR, Trivandram - 06-Oct-2016 9-30 pm - Navarathri Mandapam

Sri Avaneeswaram S.R.Vinu-Violin
Sri B.Harikumar-Mridangam
Dr.S.Karthik-Ghatam
Sri Payannur Govindaprasad-Morsing

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Ranjini Fine Arts, Bellandur, Bangalore, is organizing a day of lessons + more,

for Children's Day, on November 13th, Sunday.

Here is a video from a fun session conducted last year

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kwi5pfRD6CQ


a couple of samples of the teaching process from other sessions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lRpnJfer7o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZvjCym8dmQ

and the final outcome from another session

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... 0gcw-4NfZh

Children and adults interested to register, are welcome to

get in touch with Sri Santhosh Narayanan at +91 9845429813

or email ranjanifineartsteam@gmail.com for further details.

Hindolajog05
Posts: 3
Joined: 19 Oct 2016, 17:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by Hindolajog05 »

What a treat to see third ad on sirs name... for the last 10years I haven been attending sirs workshops ... he is an endless treasure...

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Nice to see your comment, Hindolajog05.

Here is a "Ragam, Thaanam (With Mridangam), Keerthanam"

Navarathri style, by a young Varmaji.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... 2_KX6XBZ_Z

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Concert at M.E.S.College,
M.P.L.Sastry Road,
15th Cross,
(Between 10 and 11 Main)
Malleshwaram
from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Saturday, November 19th
by
Prince Rama Varma
Sri S.R.Vinu
and
Sri B.Harikumar.

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »


sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

For First Post

Indian classical music is one that respects parampara or lineage a lot.
One of the greatest exponents of this system of music was Sri Thyagaraja.
A few generations of disciples later….after Manambuchavadi
Venkatasubbaier, Susarla Dakshinamoorthy and Parupalli
Ramakrishnayya Panthulu….appeared a young boy in 1930, (in the tiny,
obscure little village near the Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh
called Sankaraguptam), who was to change the face of South Indian
Classical music for ever:- Muralikrishna.
Because of his stunning command over all the aspects of music
when he was just 6 years old when he started to sing in public,
a Bala (Child) was prefixed to Muralikrishna. As his fame grew,
so did his name and the titles that came before it.
Padmavibhushan, Sangeetha Kalanidhi, Dr.Mangalampalli
Balamuralikrishna.
While it is easy to get mesmerized by the depth, the sweetness,
the range, the dynamics, the speed, the clarity and the sheer
beauty of his Voice….and equally easy to be overwhelmed by
the very long list of Doctorates, awards and titles that he won
over the decades, I was fortunate enough to become obsessed
with his mind as a Composer, above everything else.
Newness is something that is attractive to most human beings.
And the allure might fade after a time, when one becomes
intimately familiar with something or someone.
But, having spent more than 20 years, obsessively studying
his music, his poetry, the charming melodic cadences and the
vivid and riveting rhythmic pulses, I can honestly say that
I have only become infinitely More fascinated over time,
with the freshness and brilliance of his
compositions and by the extraordinary genius of the mind
of the creator behind them.
When Lord Ganesha destroyed the evil intentions of the
Demon Durasaraa who attacked the city of Varanasi, it
translates into verbal magic effortlessly and spontaneously
in the capable hands of Dr.Balamuralikrishna as
“Vaaranaasinaakraminchina Duraasaruni Duraasha
Niraasha Gaavimpa” for example.
In his Thamizh song “Pirai Aniyum”, Lord Ganesha
is described as “Munnam vanangi anugiya perukku
Pinnam nindru thunai seyyum” :- “For those who
stand with folded hands in Front of you,
you stand Behind them and help them!”
In Na Jaane Thava Dhyaanam Vina, he interprets
the three syllables of the word “Bha-Ra-Tha” as
Bhakthi (Devotion), Rakthi (Emotional content) and
Thanmayathwam (Aesthetic sense), as opposed to
the usual interpretation “Bhaava, Raaga, Thaala.”
“It is Bharatha and not Bhaaraathaa, no?” he would
chuckle, with a gleeful twinkle in his eye.
The five Pada Varnams, the Thaana Varnams,
a Padam or two, a Javali or two, a bunch of
Scintillating Thillanas that would bring life into
the laziest person in the world, songs in all the
72 Melakartha Ragas that he composed and published
when he was just a teenager, a few exquisite Ragamalikas,
a few beautiful Bhaava Geethas, around 200 Krithis….
many of them scattered all over the world unlisted….
from Singapore to Rajapalayam….and then the music
he gave to the lyrics of great masters like Annamayya,
Bhadrachala Ramadasa, Sadasiva Brahmendra,
Narayana Theerthar, Purandara Dasa, Maharaja Swathi
Thirunal, Jayadeva, Kaiwara Amara Nareyana, Mallekonda
Ramadasa, Etla Ramadasa and others…the compositional
wealth that he left us is really and truly overwhelming…
and much much much more precious and valuable than
all the awards and titles that he won.
The entire body of his work can be compared to a University,
that musicians, music students, music teachers and music
lovers can delve into again and again and come up with
something fresh, original, vivid, beautiful and useful
each and every time.
Being at heart, an exemplary Performer, the composer
in him often took a back seat. When he felt that the listeners
were waiting for their favourite songs like Endaro Mahanubhavulu
or Samaja Vara Gamana or Devadi Deva or Nagumomu or
Pibare Rama Rasam or Oru Naal Poduma again for the hundredth
time, he felt that he couldn’t let them down by not singing them.
I used to fight with him relentlessly, arguing that the listeners
would Surely request songs like Pahi Sameera Kumara or
Gaana Maalinchi or Kamala Dalayatha Lochanamulave or
Kaavave Kanyakumari or his Kharaharapriya Pada Varnam,
if only he would Sing them from time to time and make them
aware of their existence.
But he would deftly deflect my arguments by asking me
“How come You know all these songs ?” and continue
“Because you took the trouble to come to Madras all the
way from Kerala and learn these songs from me. And make
me remember songs that I haven’t sung since the 1950s.
So you got them. The people who are happy to listen to
Nagumomu again and again….well….that is what they are
meant to get!” and the case would be closed.
From being outspoken to being politically correct, gullible to astute,
innocent to naughty, disarmingly simple to explosively
confident, his personality was as unusual and fascinating a
mix as the mountain of the compositions that he has left us.
Like an elaborate buffet at a 5 star hotel, there would be
something for everyone….and it would be up to us to take
what appeals to us, be it Nagumomu for the 500th time,
Paluke Bangaramayena for the 400th time or his own
mesmerizing composition “Maamava Gaanalola” in the
hauntingly beautiful raga “Rohini” created by him.
Rohini, Lavangi, Mahati, Sumukham, Ganapathy, Vallabhi,
Chandrika, Prathimadhyamavathi, Siddhi, Roopavahini….
just the ragas created by him would be enough material to
do a Phd on.
While his physical presence would be terribly missed,
thanks to technology, the internet and sites like youtube.com
and sangeethapriya.org, one can hope that more and more
people who are serious about good music, would explore further,
delve deeper and be rewarded more and more abundantly by the
ocean of music left to us by this extraordinary man.
May his soul rest in peace.
Rama Varma
November 23, 2016

For The Hindu

There is a beautiful lullaby by Sri Purandara Dasa in Anandabhairavi

which goes "Jo Jo Yashodeya Nanda Mukundane." You can find the

recording on youtube.com. There is another song; also in

Anandabhairavi, by Maharaja Swathi Thirunal, "Smarasi Pura Guru

Vanitha" from his opera on Kuchela, called "Kuchelopakhyanam."

Both these songs use a particular phrase using the Anthara Gandharam

which is stunningly beautiful, vivid and very very unusual.

Both these songs were set to tune during the 1990s.

Further research reveals that the same phrase was used around

100 years ago by a man from a tiny village called Gudimellanka

in Andhra Pradesh, in his song "Varalakshmi Devi".

This man was the creator of some of the sweetest, cutest and

most endearing songs Ever composed, like Rama Rama Ena Raada,

Bala Tripura Sundari, Krishnamma, Ramududbhavinchinadu and

Eme O Chitti :- Prayaga Rangadasa.

The person who used the same phrase a century later, was his

celebrated Grandson, Dr.Mangalampalli Balamuralikrishna.

While there are many singers, poets and music composers,

the title of "Vaggeyakara".....an individual from whom both

lyrics and music burst forth simultaneously as a single and

inseparable unit....can be applied only to a precious few.

There might be intelligent individuals who are competent

both in music as well as in grinding out a few lyrics with

rhyme and meter. But their product would fall under a "Craft"

rather than "Art" when that special something.....that divine

spark....is missing. Dr.Balamuralikrishna had that spark in

abundance. and the compositions poured out of him for more than

60 years.

On January 1, 2000, the Madras Music Academy gave

him the Vaggeyakara Award, for being the greatest living

Vaggeyakara. He made a characteristically short speech

which encapsulated his thoughts succinctly “I am very

happy that I am a Vaggeyakara. I am very happy that I

am living. And I am very happy to be the first person to

receive this award... on the first day of the first year of

the new millenium. Thank you.” That was

Balamuralikrishna.

Be it his words or his musical ideas, one hardly ever

heard him fumbling around aimlessly. The notes that he

sang.. both the pure notes (“Shuddha Swarams”……

wrongly labelled "flat notes" by those who can’t get

them) as well as the gamakams or ornamentation, were

crystal clear.

The two distinct approaches to vocalization in Carnatic

music are, the Veena based which is subtle and refined

and the Naadaswaram based which is grand, majestic

and overwhelming. Balamurali Sir was one of the few

artists whose singing embodied Both these approaches

simultaneously. Apart from being a vocalist

extraordinaire, he was adept at playing the violin (where

he followed a style that was strikingly similar to that of

the Great Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu), the viola

(which he played in a way that mirrored his singing), the

mridangam and the kanjira.


While landmark recordings of him singing songs like

Nagumomu, Devadi Deva, Endaro Mahanubhavulu,

Samaja Vara Gamana, Pibare Rama Rasam and so on

are guaranteed a place in posterity, a vast amount of his

own compositions sadly remain more or less unexplored

and undiscovered.

Thanks partly to his mesmerizing voice and partly to

people’s tendency to imitate him, there is a general

misconception that only he could sing his own

compositions properly. (A small digression vis a vis

“imitation”. Very few classical musicians seem to close

their mouth properly while singing a syllable like “Um”. A

song like say, Siddhi Vinayakam would often be sung in

ways like Siddhi Vinayakauuu. Since Balamurali Sir was

one of the few people who closed his mouth where

necessary and enunciated the lyrics clearly and properly,

casual listeners automatically jump to the conclusion

when one sings “Um” properly, that one was “imitating

Balamurali” while in reality, all one would be doing would

be to sing the words correctly.)

Though I have always felt that some of his gifts were truly

extraordinary, as far as composing went, he was quite

cool and laid back about what he did as a Singer.

Sruthi Shudhdham

Laya Shuddham

Swara Shuddham

Gamaka Shuddham

Akshara Shuddham

Purity of sruthi, rhythm, clarity of phrasing and

enunciation of the lyrics, voice culture, a pleasant

demeanor, being aesthetic and tuneful…. these are all

qualities that have been prescribed for several centuries,

right from the time of Purandara Dasa (in songs like

Thaala Beku) and by other great masters like Sri

Thyagaraja in a whole bunch of songs about music.

Being intimately familiar with the lyrics and thereby, with

the mind, soul and spirit of the composers, Balamurali Sir

always felt rightly, that he was singing correctly, while

some others had sadly established singing off sruthi,

without any regard to the lyrics or clarity of gamakams

as "Tradition" and that anything outside this idiom

would be labelled "non classical."

"If we sing in sruthi, people would call it Hindustani.

If the lyrics are enunciated clearly, people call it Light."

So much so that he was provoked to make statements

like "I am not singing Carnatic music. I sing

Muraleegaanam!"

While a statement like that taken in isolation, could be

interpreted as sounding rather arrogant, one tends to

see where he is coming from, when one closely observes

what Is usually accepted as "Classical" or

"Sampradayam" or whatever.

Only time will tell how much of the artistic values he

represented and embodied will hold among future

generations and how many people would go that extra

mile, to look beyond the artistic framework

imposed by their immediate Guru or Bani and try to

connect with the great Vaggeyakaras like Sri Thyagaraja,

Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar and others and do one’s best,

to sing those songs the way they deserve to be sung.

I feel grateful that he has left us So much of artistic

wealth, to delve into and to benefit from.

Call it Muraleegaanam, call it Sampradayam.....I hope

that eventually Good music will triumph.

Rama Varma

November 23, 2016

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

The ultimate certificate from the Guru to the disciple.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6-GoL9 ... OlKUoqKUzK

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Prince Rama Varma,

Sri S.R.Vinu

Sri B.Harikumar

and

Dr.S.Karthick,

to perform at Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan,

Mylapore, (Near Kapaleeshwarar Temple)

at 5:00pm on Monday, the 12th of December.

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Speech from last year, same venue, before the floods,
because of which both Venkataramanan Sir's and
Shyamala Mami's concerts got cancelled.
Just saw that they are featured in the Chennai Fine
Arts concert series at Sasthri Hall this year.
Hope the weather will be more merciful this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e8u3Jq3JQA

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Speech from last year, same venue, before the floods,
because of which both Venkataramanan Sir's and
Shyamala Mami's concerts got cancelled.
Just saw that they are featured in the Chennai Fine
Arts concert series at Sasthri Hall this year.
Hope the weather will be more merciful this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2e8u3Jq3JQA

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Prince Rama Varma,
S.R.Vinu,
B.Harikumar and
Dr.S.Karthick to perform at 4:00pm
tomorrow (Friday. December 16)
at Sri Parthasarathy Swami Sangeetha Sabha,
Vidya Bharathi,
55, Bheemasena Garden Road,
Near Jammi building.
Mylapore.

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Prince Rama Varma
S.R.Vinu
Palghat Maheshkumar
Vazhapalli Krishnakumar
Payyannur Govindaprasad
to give a concert at
at Bombay. .....at 7:00pm on Sunday, Dec 18,
at Vasai Fine Arts,
Sree Ayyapa Seva Samithi Prarthana Mandapam,
Vasai West,
Palghar District.

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Old audio of ten songs by ten composers, with some rare photos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UABsd1TNM4A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJJ2VekEAE4

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Varmaji to give a talk during the Hindu Lit Fest at Chennai
on January 16th, post lunch session.

http://www.thehindulfl.com/speakers/pri ... ian-writer

His presentation with Prof.T.V.Gopalakrishnan in 2015.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afEha97lG6k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au3ipQbn-3I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j48XIpBKl4I

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Rare composition of Dr.Balamuralikrishna in the raga Rohini,
which has two Madhyamams and no Panchamam.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwKJyuABZ0k

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Prince Rama Varma,
Sri S.R.Vinu,
Sri B.Harikumar
Dr.S.Karthick and
Payyannur Sri Govindaprasad,
to perform at the Kuthiramalika Palace,
(next to Sree Padmanabhaswami Temple)
at Thiruvananthapuram for the 18th edition
of the Swathi Sangeethotsavam, on January 4th.

Frequently Asked Questions
http://ramavarma.yolasite.com/swathi-sa ... m-faqs.php

Videos
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_ ... hiramalika

Article on Maharaja Swathi Thirunal
http://ramavarma.yolasite.com/maharaja- ... rticle.php

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Review from Prince Rama Varma fan page in facebook

https://www.facebook.com/groups/prince. ... 803884376/

rajeshnat
Posts: 9906
Joined: 03 Feb 2010, 08:04

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by rajeshnat »

Sweetsong,
Thank you for your usual diligence in following up rama varma in concerts. There is also a part 2 that also is a vocal concert is confirmed by you which is nice to connect to another thread.

Also there was a mention few years back that rama verma does not sing neraval or does not prefer to sing neraval which is what was communicated possibly by rama verma. I see he has sung in simmhendra madhyamam a neraval, may be it is just after many many concerts that he has taken. Also swati sangeethotsavam is also having BMK compositions - I guess that is ok as both of them are now with Lord padmanabha. Musique4ever can always come back here now that it is her/his 10 year birthday .

The only concert that i attended of varma is his vocal , i still have the aura of the vakulabharanam that i missed and that day he sang a wonderful amrithavarshini- the flag ship krithi of Dikshitar . We need amrithavarshini everywhere right now irrespective of geography.

In the facebook the review says "As an introduction to the sweet song from Kuchelopaakhyaanam, Smarasi pura guru vanita vachasa."
May I know what is Kuchelopaakhyaanam - I am musique4zero on that right now ?.

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »


varsha
Posts: 1978
Joined: 24 Aug 2011, 15:06

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by varsha »

May I know what is Kuchelopaakhyaanam
If done today , Krishna would have probably advised him to do better ( or lesser ) than having 27 children :D
Anyway moving back in time

http://www.mediafire.com/file/giyq20cv3 ... Embarr.mp3
http://www.mediafire.com/file/01qoszc65 ... irunaL.mp3

varsha
Posts: 1978
Joined: 24 Aug 2011, 15:06

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by varsha »

May I know what is Kuchelopaakhyaanam
If done today , Krishna would have probably advised him to do better ( or lesser ) than having 27 children :D
Anyway moving back in time

http://www.mediafire.com/file/giyq20cv3 ... Embarr.mp3
http://www.mediafire.com/file/01qoszc65 ... irunaL.mp3

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Ha ha! Well said :)

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Special concert by Varmaji with

Sri S.R.Vinu

Sri B.Harikumar

Dr.S.Karthick

and

Payyannoor Sri Govindaprasad

at 6:00pm on Sunday, January 15th

at Sri Uthradom Thirunal Chithralayam,

(Near Kalyan Jewellers)

East Fort,

Thiruvananthapuram

Concert format sample

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... 1PnftlIM3J

Article about the venue

https://www.keralatourism.org/kerala-ar ... -fort/435/

Varmaji and Sreenivasa Moorthy have a chat about Dr.M.Balamuralikrishna

at the Hindu Lit For Life at Chennai on January 16th

http://www.thehindulfl.com/prince-rama-varma-writer

Varmaji and Sreenivasa Moorthy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJklplQ ... e=youtu.be

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

An earlier appearance by Varmaji at the Hindu Lit Fest,
with Prof.T.V.Gopalakrishnan.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afEha97lG6k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au3ipQbn-3I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j48XIpBKl4I

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »



sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »


sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Varmaji gives away the Kalavanta awards at Bangalore

https://livestream.com/shaalelive/kfac/videos/148013073

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

One day teaching session by Varmaji from 9:30am to 4:00pm
on Sunday the 12th of February, at at Varaveena School of Music,
Valiathampuran Kovilakam,
adjacent to Koodalmanikkam Temple,
http://www.koodalmanikyam.com/
Trissur.
For registration, please contact +91 99958 34829

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Varmaji to give an all Thyagaraja concert at at 7:00pm on Thursday
the 16th of February, at the Sri Sankara Vidya Peetam,
Kanakaraju Gari Thota,
(Near Hanuman Temple)
West Anandbagh
Malkajgiri,
Hyderabad/Secunderabad.

And a two day teaching session at Saptaparni,
Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, on February 18th and 19th.
For registration, please contact
04066667707 or +91 9989780160.

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Varmaji to give a concert at the Sri Krishna Temple Hall,
Darsait, Muscat, at 6:00pm on Saturday, February 25th,
after a three day teaching session at Oman, starting on
February 21st.
Those interested to register for the classes, are welcome to
contact Dr (Col) Koduvayur M Harikrishnan at
krishveena2@gmail.com

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Sri Sanjay Subrahmanyan and Varmaji enjoy a chat together

http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/m ... 311955.ece

Je ne sais rien
Posts: 5
Joined: 06 Feb 2017, 02:15

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by Je ne sais rien »

From Facebook group - A fan's translation of an interview of Prince Rama Varma in Malayalam, conducted by the staff and students of Music Department, NSS College Karamana, Trivandrum.

(Interview with eminent musician and member of the Travancore royal family, Prince Aswathi Tirunal Rama Varma, conducted by Music Department faculty Dr. S. Aswathy and students Anjana Murali and Amritha Lakshmi)

“The Prince among musicians” – Worshipper of pure music who has dedicated his entire life to the art…A unique artiste who always creates a distinct audio-visual experience at concerts by ensuring equal importance to his accompanying artistes… He considers his rendition of “Karuna Cheyvaan” in Yadukulakamboji as an offering at the feet of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar…
................................................................................
? How do you feel as the member of the royal family who gained recognition in the world of Carnatic music after Maharaja Swathi Tirunal?
There have been many talented members in the family since Swathi Tirunal. Maharani Sethu Parvathi Bai, the mother of the last Maharaja Chithira Tirunal Balarama Varma, lived a life dedicated to music. In fact it was Amma Maharani who decided to teach me music and selected my first Guru. Much before that, Aswathi Tirunal Marthanda Varma was a musician, photographer and linguist fluent in 12 languages. He had only a short lifespan of 28 years. In my own generation there are 2 others who are musically endowed. I have always lived for music alone, and whatever I have achieved as a musician has been gained through a lot of hard work.

? Tell us about your Gurus.
My first Guru was Sri Vechoor Harihara Subramania Iyer, a disciple of Semmangudi Swami. I had the fortune to start sapthaswarams with him, and learn from him right till his demise. Simultaneously, I studied the Veena for 5 years from Sri Venkataraman Sir, and later had the fortune of learning from his Guru, Sri K.S. Narayanaswamy Sir. Soon after Vechoor Sir passed away, I became the disciple of Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna Sir and continued to learn from him for 18 years. There are over 300 little-known compositions of Balamurali Sir, of which I was able to learn 150 from him. I consider it a big blessing that at each stage as a student of music, I got just the right Guru who was perfect for that stage.

? Something about your college life?
When I was pursuing my Masters in Commerce after B.Com, I would frequently go to learn from Vechoor Sir during college hours! This was apart from the regular music lessons in the evening. I have learned French, Hindi and Tamil and I am now learning Telugu and Kannada.

? Though you have studied under different Gurus, you still maintain a distinct style of your own. Could you please elaborate?
My training in the Veena has helped me a lot in this aspect. I listen to all kinds of music, and also look for renditions of the same song in different styles. If I find something nice in any of them, I try to use it in my music. Moreover, I am particular about enunciation, and being true to the meaning and spirit of the lyrics. Just as one is loyal to one’s Guru, I believe we have to be at least 5 percent faithful to the composer of a song. A musician has to try and understand the soul of the composer. For instance, M.D. Ramathan’s style as a composer is very different from Dr. Balamuralikrishna’s style, and both have different insights to offer us.

? What are your views as a Veena artiste?
My background in Veena has greatly influenced my singing. I believe one should be able to sing as if one is playing the Veena, and play the Veena as if one is singing. Knowledge of an instrument enables one to understand even minor differences between ragas and between notes, appreciate the nuances of using gamakams etc.

? Do you prefer to be known as a musician, or as a member of the royal family?
I prefer to be known as a musician, 100 per cent! And I’d rather make some significant contributions to music and be recognized for them.

? How has modern technology influenced music?
Earlier, a musician could gain recognition only by performing in Sabhas, which had many barriers of language, caste etc. Today, innovations like Youtube have made it possible for a singer to sit at home, upload videos and share them with the world. In my own experience, I have many more followers now since my videos started appearing on my YouTube channel though I had been singing for almost 20 years before that. Just the other day, over 25 fans who got to know about me through YouTube came here to Trivandrum to attend my concert. Now, when we learn a song, we can get its lyrics along with the meaning from the internet. Both students and teachers should make maximum use of such facilities. I strongly believe that teachers should be committed to explaining the meaning of lyrics to their students.

? We have heard that you have composed some chittaswarams and tuned some krithis. Could you tell us more?
It is not as if I sat down to tune or compose – circumstances just made it happen each time. The krithi “Sadhu Tada” came to my mind as I was on a flight, and the raga Vakulabharanam just seemed to be perfect for it. I wrote down the notations on tissues borrowed from the air hostess! I tuned “Japath Japath” in the form of a Ragamalika. The chittaswarams that were traditionally being sung for the Swati Tirunal composition “Anandavalli” were from another krithi, “Sringaralahari”. So I made new chittaswarams for it. Later, I also had the opportunity to compose a chittaswaram for Balamuralikrishna Sir’s composition in Hindolam, “Gana rasike”. When we do a good composition, it stays in the mind and gives us satisfaction too.

? Have you felt that there are fewer concerts in Kerala these days?
Not really – I am someone who believes in quality rather than quantity. It is better to attend one unforgettable concert than attend 25 mediocre concerts – even attending a couple of good concerts can give you many insights. These things remain in your mind forever. Teachers should encourage the students to attend good concerts.

? What is your advice to students of Carnatic music?
Try to enunciate and pronounce the lyrics of the krithis you sing with perfect clarity. A song becomes complete only when you give it the appropriate bhavas. Practice singing “heavy” and “light” ragas with their distinguishing characteristics intact. Excellence in music is 20 per cent practice and 80 per cent rigorous listening. Always remember that manodharma, the hallmark of our music, is something that can only be acquired gradually.

? Could you summarize your contributions to music and music lovers?
I conduct two music festivals every year – the Navarathri Festival and the Swathi Sangeetotsavam at Kuthiramalika. Entrance is free for both. Earlier only 10-12 krithis of Maharaja Swathi Tirunal were heard regularly in concerts. Now, around 60 different krithis are rendered during the 10 days of the Kuthiramalika festival. As the organizer of the festivals, I constantly communicate and coordinate with the artistes to make sure that krithis are not repeated. The idea is to bring as many new krithis as possible to the masses. Besides this, several krithis of the Trinity, Annamacharya, Purandaradasa and many other Vaggeyakaras are constantly uploaded on my YouTube channel. I strongly believe that rendition of krithis with clarity and attention to lyrics can go a long way in making music in its purest form appealing to the masses.

Je ne sais rien
Posts: 5
Joined: 06 Feb 2017, 02:15

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by Je ne sais rien »

Two Tyagaraja songs from Varmaji's classes:

"Rama Rama" in Anandabhairavi from Irinjalakkuda workshop
https://youtu.be/2YRbmdF-Gow

"Jaya Jaya Sri Raghurama" in Mangalakaishiki from session at Saptaparni, Hyderabad
https://youtu.be/mcHnFc2wpIc

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Music students at Muscat join Varmaji, Vinu and Dr.Babu while singing

Smara Vaaram
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBqS-Gja2_s

Ninnaye Rathi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNCb1vm7Y18

Je ne sais rien
Posts: 5
Joined: 06 Feb 2017, 02:15

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by Je ne sais rien »

When a concert becomes a concerted effort! :) Loved it.

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

samvAda with Prince Rama Varma
Quote
Post by eesha » 04 Mar 2017, 08:45

Very nice opportunity for Chennai rasikas.

"samvAda" - a face to face session with Prince Rama Varma has been arranged by Gaanapriya Foundation.

Venue: Mahalakshmi Welfare Association, 11, Park Avenue Road, Alwarpet, CHENNAI.
Landmark: opposite R A Puram Sangeetha Hotel.
Date & Time: Sunday 19th March, 5:30 PM,

Prince Sri Rama Varma will interact with rasikas and answer the questions from rasikas with demonstration as required.

Rasikas can send their queries in advance to yessel@outlook.com on or before 17th March 5 PM . Sri Yessel Narasimhan will compile and collate the questions, and remove any duplicates . He will also moderate the session on 19th March

Chennai rasikas are requested to avail this opportunity. and attend the event.

Some articles by Varmaji
http://ramavarma.yolasite.com/the-writer.php

Music related talks
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... 86wQ5H95QH__

Song lessons
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... wVzhxg9mDv


Swaram exercises
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... d677jLPe8p

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »


Je ne sais rien
Posts: 5
Joined: 06 Feb 2017, 02:15

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by Je ne sais rien »

From 8 March, Sakhi TV is telecasting the Swathi Sangeetotsavam 2017 from 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm IST, Monday-Friday. There is a repeat telecast at 11pm (11.30 pm on Thursdays). Here is the online link:

http://sakhi.tv/

sweetsong
Posts: 556
Joined: 29 Nov 2009, 16:48

Re: Prince Rama Varma

Post by sweetsong »

Hindu upload of Varmaji's chat with Sri Sreenivasa Murthy
about Dr.M.Balamuralikrishna

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQz3BLePfoE

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