Umaiyalpuram K Sivaraman releases new book containing OVK co

[garudadhwani]

Yet another invaluable publication was released today at Nadabrahmam’s annual music festival held at Dakshinamurthy auditorium.

The book titled ‘Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi’s Kamakshi Navavaranams and Saptaratna kritis – lyrics and notation’ compiled by Chitravina maestro Ravikiran, was released by the mridangam legend Shri Umaiyalpuram Sivaraman and the first copy was received by Shri Mohan Parasaran. Shri Ravikiran, who had released another book about this master composer (Oottukkadu Venkata Kavi – Life and Contributions) earlier this year, has brought out yet another significant publication that will benefit many musicians and music students all over the world.

Shri Umaiyalpuram Sivaraman spoke about the book, the composer and the author and while being humorous, he also made a huge impact through his thoughtful and thought-provoking observations. Among many observations, he pointed out that Venkata Kavi, who belonged to the pre-trinity period, was a gifted composer, who composed out of divine inspiration and little did he think that his compositions would/should be popularized, rendered or published in the future!!! He also mentioned about the contrasting contents of the book – various rare and uncommon ragas like Balahamsa and Deshakshi and talas such as Khanda Dhruvam, Sankeerna Mathyam that were handled by him several years ago and that rendering the navavaranam set would enable one to acquire the same effect of having mastered the Shrividya upasana. He also spoke about the Saptaratna kritis and the ragas handled therein and mentioned that all the Saptaratna kritis were in Adi talam - a notable feature considering that these kritis had been composed prior to the Pancharatna kritis of Tyagaraja. He lauded Ravikiran’s efforts in popularizing Venkata Kavi’s kritis and encouraged him to continue his good work.

Shri Mohan Parasaran and Shri Neyveli Santanagopalan (whose concert followed the book release) also spoke about Ravikiran’s contributions and the book.

[jananee]

This is a sequel to the book OVK – Life & Contributions released earlier. This book would be an invaluable treasure for students/teachers/research scholars/ musicians who would want to master the great composer's works. Personally it has helped me understand the Navavaranams n saptaratnas much better and appreciate the magnificence of the compositions.

A few points which struck me at first glance.. .

.......A brief write up about navavaranam worship
........the compositions are filled with sublime devotion

........an incredible combination of intellect, emotion, knowledge and inspiration (to quote from the book) .
“ bhajasva shree tripurasundariâ€