Reviews Worth Reading
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Let me first begin with another review from yesterday's The Hindu in the Friday review section of the Bangalore edition
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/04/stor ... 330300.htm
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/04/stor ... 330300.htm
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The review is about a thematic presentation. vid||R.K.Srikantan is a great musician, an exemplary teacher as well as an eloquent speaker witha fine sense of humour. The review provides an insight into his take on selecting rare compositions from common as well as rare composers, both ancient and contemporary. A very catholic and progressive approach which is all the more surprising given his stature and age.
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DRS,
Thanks for the article. Listening to RKS's singing is like opening an antique treasure chest. Inexhaustible classical gems are what he offers. Whenever I am in Bangalore, if he happens to sing, I make sure that I don't miss his concert. Few years ago, he sang on two consecutive evenings at Ananya--with some of his disciples too, the raga Saveri. I can still hear it!
Given his age, his voice is powerful, expressive and bhAvA-laden. As I mentioned it somewhere in the Sangetham BB, to see his wife in the audience and see her enjoying his music adds to the pleasure of it all!
The veteran echoes the feelings of many of us. An admixture of the old and the new and the new (rarely heard ones) in the old...
Thanks for the article. Listening to RKS's singing is like opening an antique treasure chest. Inexhaustible classical gems are what he offers. Whenever I am in Bangalore, if he happens to sing, I make sure that I don't miss his concert. Few years ago, he sang on two consecutive evenings at Ananya--with some of his disciples too, the raga Saveri. I can still hear it!
Given his age, his voice is powerful, expressive and bhAvA-laden. As I mentioned it somewhere in the Sangetham BB, to see his wife in the audience and see her enjoying his music adds to the pleasure of it all!
The veteran echoes the feelings of many of us. An admixture of the old and the new and the new (rarely heard ones) in the old...
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In one direction... there is a clue here... http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic.php?id=255
Some nice thoughts about Critics and Reviews
(from the various works of Oscar Wilde)
The one characteristic of a beautiful form is that one can put into it whatever one wishes ,and see in it whatever one chooses to see ; and the Beauty ,that gives to creation its universal and aesthetic element ,makes the critic a creator in his turn ,and whispers of a thousand different things which were not present in the mind of him who carved the statue or painted the panel ,or graved the gem.
( the critic as an artist)
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the result of the vulgar specialisation of criticism is an elaborate scientific knowledge of the stage - almost as elaborate as that of the stage carpenter and quite on a par with that of the call-boy-combined with an entire incapacity to realize that a play is a work of art or to receive any artistic impressions at all ( in an interview)
***
..each of the arts has a critic ,as it were ,assigned to it.
The actor is the critic of the drama. ( The critic as an artist)
***
The fine spirit of choice and delicate instinct of selection by which the artist realizes life for us ,and gives to it a momentary perfection
.that spirit of choice ,the subtle tact of omission, is really the critical faculty in one of its most characteristic moods, and one who does not possess this faculty cannot create anything at all in art. (The critic as an artist)
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.The first step in aesthetic criticism is to realize one's own impressions.
(Pen, Pencil and Poison)
***
Real critics ? Ah ! How perfectly charming they would be !I am always waiting for their arrival. An inaudible school would be nice. (In an interview)
***
Criticism demands infinitely far more cultivation than creation does.
(The critic as an artist)
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The moment criticism exercises any influence, it ceases to be criticism .The aim of a true critic is to try to chronicle his own moods ,not to try to correct the masterpieces of others. (In an interview)
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The critic is he who can translate into another manner of a new material his impression of beautiful things. The highest , as the lowest ,form of criticism is a mode of autobiography.(The picture of Dorian Gray)
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Why should the artist be troubled by the shrill clamour of criticism ?If a mans work is easy to understand an explanation is unnecessary. (The critic as an artist)
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It is exactly because a man cannot do a thing that he is the proper judge of it. (The critic as an artist)
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I never reply to my critics. I have far too much time. But I think some day I will give a general answer in the form of a lecture which I shall call "Straight talks to Old men"
***
Amen
(from the various works of Oscar Wilde)
The one characteristic of a beautiful form is that one can put into it whatever one wishes ,and see in it whatever one chooses to see ; and the Beauty ,that gives to creation its universal and aesthetic element ,makes the critic a creator in his turn ,and whispers of a thousand different things which were not present in the mind of him who carved the statue or painted the panel ,or graved the gem.
( the critic as an artist)
***
the result of the vulgar specialisation of criticism is an elaborate scientific knowledge of the stage - almost as elaborate as that of the stage carpenter and quite on a par with that of the call-boy-combined with an entire incapacity to realize that a play is a work of art or to receive any artistic impressions at all ( in an interview)
***
..each of the arts has a critic ,as it were ,assigned to it.
The actor is the critic of the drama. ( The critic as an artist)
***
The fine spirit of choice and delicate instinct of selection by which the artist realizes life for us ,and gives to it a momentary perfection
.that spirit of choice ,the subtle tact of omission, is really the critical faculty in one of its most characteristic moods, and one who does not possess this faculty cannot create anything at all in art. (The critic as an artist)
***
.The first step in aesthetic criticism is to realize one's own impressions.
(Pen, Pencil and Poison)
***
Real critics ? Ah ! How perfectly charming they would be !I am always waiting for their arrival. An inaudible school would be nice. (In an interview)
***
Criticism demands infinitely far more cultivation than creation does.
(The critic as an artist)
***
The moment criticism exercises any influence, it ceases to be criticism .The aim of a true critic is to try to chronicle his own moods ,not to try to correct the masterpieces of others. (In an interview)
***
The critic is he who can translate into another manner of a new material his impression of beautiful things. The highest , as the lowest ,form of criticism is a mode of autobiography.(The picture of Dorian Gray)
***
Why should the artist be troubled by the shrill clamour of criticism ?If a mans work is easy to understand an explanation is unnecessary. (The critic as an artist)
***
It is exactly because a man cannot do a thing that he is the proper judge of it. (The critic as an artist)
***
I never reply to my critics. I have far too much time. But I think some day I will give a general answer in the form of a lecture which I shall call "Straight talks to Old men"
***
Amen
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Here is a review of a concert of the Grande Dame of HM- Gangubai Hangal. It is always invigorating to read about maestros. And in this particular review, touching as well. What a spirit!
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/18/stor ... 170300.htm
en kaDan paNi seidu kiDappadE was a line Rangaramanuja Iyengar quoted in his books (kRti maNimAlai). Gangubai is a living example of it. I once saw her interview and was stucky by her unassuming nature. The child in her is remarkable. She reminds one so much of D.K.Pattammal who too has that beatific smile and child-like simplicity.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/18/stor ... 170300.htm
en kaDan paNi seidu kiDappadE was a line Rangaramanuja Iyengar quoted in his books (kRti maNimAlai). Gangubai is a living example of it. I once saw her interview and was stucky by her unassuming nature. The child in her is remarkable. She reminds one so much of D.K.Pattammal who too has that beatific smile and child-like simplicity.
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Coolji,
A true artist drinks at the spiritual font of music and brings to us the joy of it. He/she cannot help it. At another level, he/she possesses 'that fine choice and delicate instinct of selection', and as a result, 'that momentary perfection' becomes ours.
A true artist drinks at the spiritual font of music and brings to us the joy of it. He/she cannot help it. At another level, he/she possesses 'that fine choice and delicate instinct of selection', and as a result, 'that momentary perfection' becomes ours.
Last edited by arasi on 20 Aug 2006, 08:10, edited 1 time in total.
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Ravi,
Several years ago, in the very same hall I heard Aruna Sairam and a french medieval musician give a performance. I wasn't sure what to expect. It turned out to be enjoyable. The medieval music was soothing (my grandson as an infant would fall asleep easily to it!) and Aruna's singing had depth and feeling.
Kalyani was one of the ragas she sang and a Mayuram Visvanatha Sastry song. Of course, Aruna's speaking was impressive (as usual).
While I cannot brook the mish mash versions of so called Fusion--they are aplenty--I do welcome new experiments which have validity.
Several years ago, in the very same hall I heard Aruna Sairam and a french medieval musician give a performance. I wasn't sure what to expect. It turned out to be enjoyable. The medieval music was soothing (my grandson as an infant would fall asleep easily to it!) and Aruna's singing had depth and feeling.
Kalyani was one of the ragas she sang and a Mayuram Visvanatha Sastry song. Of course, Aruna's speaking was impressive (as usual).
While I cannot brook the mish mash versions of so called Fusion--they are aplenty--I do welcome new experiments which have validity.
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You can listen to Robert Wright's 'fusion' cd here..rshankar wrote:This was very nice to read!
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/18/stor ... 110200.htm
Ravi
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/robertwright
Click on Play All Songs.
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An elegant tribute:
nadiyinilE varum gItam?
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/25/stor ... 920300.htm
Ravi
nadiyinilE varum gItam?
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/08/25/stor ... 920300.htm
Ravi
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Another well crafted review that makes me wish I had been there!
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/09/01/stor ... 770300.htm
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/09/01/stor ... 770300.htm
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VK,
M.S.Sheela is a pro. Yes, her voice is vibrant. Her concerts are always satisfying. She handles a two hour concert of Purandara DAsA's compositions the same way as she would a four hour performance. She follows in her guru's foot steps. Her voice and pleasant deportment are added assets...
Earlier this year in a concert, the violinist paid scant attention to her singing and seemed distracted. Though it must have bothered her, Sheela went on to give an impressive performance. That is why I call her a pro...
M.S.Sheela is a pro. Yes, her voice is vibrant. Her concerts are always satisfying. She handles a two hour concert of Purandara DAsA's compositions the same way as she would a four hour performance. She follows in her guru's foot steps. Her voice and pleasant deportment are added assets...
Earlier this year in a concert, the violinist paid scant attention to her singing and seemed distracted. Though it must have bothered her, Sheela went on to give an impressive performance. That is why I call her a pro...
Last edited by arasi on 29 Sep 2006, 10:17, edited 1 time in total.
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the kadanakuthuhalam krithi rendered by her is available here:
http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/c ... artist.52/
http://www.musicindiaonline.com/music/c ... artist.52/
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http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/09/29/stor ... 130300.htm
an interesting bit from this article:
<< In 1964, Vidwan T.R.Subramaniam not only had him sing at his own sabha at Vijayawada, but also pretended to have a sore throat in order to have Ranganathan substitute for himself at a Rajahmundry recital. "Never before - or since - did I get such a crowd. Heads ranged as far as eye could see, all for TRS! By with my gurus' grace, I managed to satisfy them." >>
an interesting bit from this article:
<< In 1964, Vidwan T.R.Subramaniam not only had him sing at his own sabha at Vijayawada, but also pretended to have a sore throat in order to have Ranganathan substitute for himself at a Rajahmundry recital. "Never before - or since - did I get such a crowd. Heads ranged as far as eye could see, all for TRS! By with my gurus' grace, I managed to satisfy them." >>
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A very nice review: Shows Aruna Sayeeram and all the other musicians' versatility and imagination
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/10/20/stor ... 580700.htm
Ravi
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/10/20/stor ... 580700.htm
Ravi
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I am amazed at the versatility of these artists:
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/11/03/stor ... 190300.htm
Hope this was recorded, especially PSN's group:
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/11/03/stor ... 890700.htm
And Kerala Kalamandalam to become a 'deemed' (whatever that means) university:
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/11/03/stor ... 490300.htm
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/11/03/stor ... 190300.htm
Hope this was recorded, especially PSN's group:
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/11/03/stor ... 890700.htm
And Kerala Kalamandalam to become a 'deemed' (whatever that means) university:
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/11/03/stor ... 490300.htm
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Chingleput Ranganathan - truly a great vidwan. Recordings of his are hard to come by, so I would appreciate it very much if fellow rasikas can u/l his music.venkatpv wrote:http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/09/29/stor ... 130300.htm
an interesting bit from this article:
<< In 1964, Vidwan T.R.Subramaniam not only had him sing at his own sabha at Vijayawada, but also pretended to have a sore throat in order to have Ranganathan substitute for himself at a Rajahmundry recital. "Never before - or since - did I get such a crowd. Heads ranged as far as eye could see, all for TRS! By with my gurus' grace, I managed to satisfy them." >>
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Something for everyone: Must have been a wonderful experience!
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/11/17/stor ... 490300.htm
Ravi
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2006/11/17/stor ... 490300.htm
Ravi
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This is from a review in the Hindu -The nritta-dominated varnam, `Swami Ninne Kori Naanura' in ragamalika, (Rupakam), a composition of Ponnaiah Pillai, and the tillana in Simhendramadhyamam, (Adi), a composition of Bhagavathulu Seetharama Sharma fared well, while `Krishna Nee Begane Baro' in Yamunakalyani, (misra chapu), a composition of Kanakadasa, was disappointing and without enough depth.
ninne kori naanura - ninne korinaanu ra or ninne kori unnaanu ra....
krishNA nI bEgane bArO - composer: vyAsarAya - not Kanakadasa AFAIK...
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So much for Kalakshetra not performing Hindu themes:
http://www.hindu.com/ms/2007/01/05/stor ... 110700.htm
http://www.hindu.com/ms/2007/01/05/stor ... 110700.htm
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Here are some unusually encouraging reviews from The Hindu. After reading the uniformly doom and gloom reviews (with notable exceptions with easily identifiable reasons) in this newspaper, one starts to question reviews that actually appreciate! I wonder if any of 'our' trusted reviewers were there to back these nice comments.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/01/12/stor ... 060700.htm
I have heard Amritha Venkatesh, and I really like her style, but I did not realize she was so young.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/01/12/stor ... 260500.htm
Another nice review. BTW, are these children from Ramji's troupe?
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/01/12/stor ... 060700.htm
I have heard Amritha Venkatesh, and I really like her style, but I did not realize she was so young.
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/01/12/stor ... 260500.htm
Another nice review. BTW, are these children from Ramji's troupe?
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About the event "Frontiers of speech and music" in Mysore.
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanheral ... 200719.asp
Hopefully, the Star Of Mysore will cover this event.
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanheral ... 200719.asp
Hopefully, the Star Of Mysore will cover this event.
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I found this very interesting: I have seen Mallika Sarabhai 'draw' with her feet when she dances, but this sounds like another form of 'driSya kAvyam'! Arasi/others in B'lore - anyone lucky enough to attend?
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/01/19/stor ... 910300.htm
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2007/01/19/stor ... 910300.htm