Gayathri Girish @ Rasika Ranjani Sabha

Sathej · Post by **Sathej** » 08 Jan 2009, 22:59

Smt Gayathri Girish - Vocal
Shri Mysore Shrikanth - Violin
Shri Kallidakurichi Sivakumar - Mrudangam
Shri Madipakkam Murali- Ghatam

Venue : Narada Gana Sabha Main Hall
Date : January 8, 2009
Time : 4 PM - 6PM

1) Manamohana - Mohanam Ata Tala Varnam - Muthiah Bhagavathar - O
2) Manaviche - Sarasangi - OS
3) Parvatha Raja Kumari - Shriranjani - A
4) Maa Janaki - NS
5) Karuna Judavamma - Varali - ANST
6) Kannan Idam - Ragamalika
7) Varuvai Varuvai - Darbarikanada
8) Paathagankal Theerkum - Virutham followed by Oruthi Maganai - Behag
9) Thillana - Sindubhairavi

Its been a while since I wrote a long post. Infact, itÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s a while since I attended concerts. Have been taking a bit of a break with only Shri Bangalore ShankarÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s concert luring me to ShyamÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s house a few days back with the idea of getting to meet people again after quite some time - again ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã‹Å“socializingÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢ as pointed out by Arun

Anyway, coming to this concert, the Mohanam Ata Tala Varnam was a brisk start. The acoustics at NGS is getting worse day by day. It was pathetic for a good 1.5 songs with the mike making all sorts of sounds resulting in both the audience and the artistes feeling restless. The Sarasangi Swarams were nicely sung with some good Poruthams. Maa Janaki is one of those Krithis that get sung quite rarely these days. Probably because artistes wouldnÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢t like to try it out and get it compared with MMIÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s version. A good job was done here though. The Neraval was at the line Shri Nayaka. There were quite a few good rounds of second speed one Avarthanam Swarams before venturing to the conventional Dhaivatham-Nishadam centered Prayogams. The pick of the concert to me, though, was the Varali Alapanai. There were fine glides complemented well by Brigas. Been a while since I heard a detailed Varali for main. A nice emotive choice of a Krithi too. The violinist was extremely good in his version. The Neraval was done neatly. The Thani led by Sivakumar was good and there was no perceivable exodus!

Post main, the Ragamalika was melodious. A special mention of the Thiruppavai. Again have heard the Virutham preceding this in several Ragams by TNS - Sankarabharanam, Varali et al. This time, it was Behag and somehow I liked it better in Behag. The Sindubhairavi Thillana was a good finish.

Sathej

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 09 Jan 2009, 12:41

Sathej here's hoping you can take in more concerts this year! Soon you will be off to do an MS in the states - might as well take in the action while you're in the centre of action!

Sathej · Post by **Sathej** » 09 Jan 2009, 20:35

Well, Vijay, I hope to take in more concerts this year for sure..but MS - states? Well, still deliberating....

Sathej

sethuraman · Post by **sethuraman** » 11 Jan 2009, 21:25

"A Special mention about Thiruppavai".
I have listened to TNS rendering the virutham in Behag followed by " Oruthi Maganai". It was simply out of the world. Gayathri, eventhough trained by TNS, doesnt show signs of belonging to that school, but for rendering a few krithis sung by him, following neraval places, and some pallavis trained by him. Overall she has not picked up the bhava and essence in his music. Thats why her music remains still lifeless, inspite of her hardwork.

thodiragam · Post by **thodiragam** » 11 Jan 2009, 21:43

Bhava and essence can be acquired only over the years by experience, one cannot expect such things in young age, gayathri should be appreciated for her hard work

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 11 Jan 2009, 23:38

Good to hear that Sathej...will look forward to your reports - and all the best, whatever you decide to do!

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 12 Jan 2009, 00:25

sethuraman wrote:Overall she has not picked up the bhava and essence in his music. Thats why her music remains still lifeless, inspite of her hardwork.

That's your opinion - I tend to think otherwise.

On another note, one aspect of Gayatri Girish's music (or maybe it is not music after all!) that doesn't get too much mention is the fact, that IMO, her enunciation is flawless - for not just in tamizh compositions.

sethuraman · Post by **sethuraman** » 12 Jan 2009, 07:24

I agree that the bhava and essence comes with age. I am referring that the bhava and essence that should have come for her age itself is missing. Pronounciation, enunication stuff gets embellished only with the quality of music. Flawless presentation, or good diction comes into picture only when the music is also good. The problem with the youngsters today is that they get themselves caught in the rat race and keep trying to do innovations! instead of correcting the basic material and give solid music.

thodiragam · Post by **thodiragam** » 12 Jan 2009, 08:39

sethuraman wrote: The problem with the youngsters today is that they get themselves caught in the rat race and keep trying to do innovations! instead of correcting the basic material and give solid music.

This is a valid point and 100% agree with what sethuraman has said.

priyaram78 · Post by **priyaram78** » 12 Jan 2009, 12:10

in my humble opinion, Gayathri's songs have so much bhava in them. her songs are so much filled with emotion and longing for god. there is a sincerity in her voice. i have never found her concerts to be lifeless. all the best to her.

saptaratna · Post by **saptaratna** » 12 Jan 2009, 12:53

Whose Tillana is the Sindubhairavi one ? TNS sings one Sindubhairavi tillana, which outbeats the Ustads of the North. He sang that in Dec 2006 MA concert.

srutibedam · Post by **srutibedam** » 12 Jan 2009, 16:14

An interesting discussion on the bhava aspect, though expressed in rather harsh terms by Sethuraman. I too like old timers a lot better. Incidentally, people from a generation even earlier would have regarded those that are old timers today as lacking in many qualities of their own favorites. Bhava and the emotional content is closely linked to a performer's personality and goes beyond mere technical mastery in music. In fact even the bhava aspect could come across as mechanical if only the intellect is applied to perfecting it. For instance, due to the widespread exchange of information, every singer would have noted that he or she has to reflect the composer's state of mind as revealed by the song while singing. But even that would only be a mechanical bhava element due to the lack of inherent traits and experience in life congenial to producing a genuine bhava. Bhava is not a matter of "picking up" from someone else's music.

But while commenting on a particular artist or even the whole younger generation of today, we have to bear in mind that only a suggestive and recommendatory manner of giving our views would be in good taste. Dismissing someone's singing as lacking in bhava is very harsh. Youngsters of today have grown up in a much different atmosphere and belong to a different cultural milieu. Using the best of old timers as a benchmark to critically and severely judge youngsters is rather unfair.

With particular regard to Gayathri Girish, I have attended a few of her concerts and noted her swaram on a couple of occasions to be very very TNS like. So I disagree with Sethuraman about his comment on her not showing signs of the TNS school. There is definitely scope for improvement in her music, no doubt. But if one were to ask whether she is well poised for improvement and has the basics alright or whether she is beyond redemption, the former is my view.

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 12 Jan 2009, 16:22

sethuraman wrote:"A Special mention about Thiruppavai".
I have listened to TNS rendering the virutham in Behag followed by " Oruthi Maganai". It was simply out of the world. Gayathri, eventhough trained by TNS, doesnt show signs of belonging to that school, but for rendering a few krithis sung by him, following neraval places, and some pallavis trained by him. Overall she has not picked up the bhava and essence in his music. Thats why her music remains still lifeless, inspite of her hardwork.

This seems to be a personal opinion.

Qualities like Bhavam are subjective; MDR / MS / TNS / ... all have different ways of expressing them. GG is certainly unique and presents music with appropriate Bhavam (certainly the way it appeals to me). Due to the subjective nature, it does not make sense to compare one with another as well, other than saying that I like X's version...

I have attended and enjoyed 3 of her concerts this season. The Mayamma in Ahiri I heard still rings in my ears and was very moving with appropriate Bhavam.

Sathej · Post by **Sathej** » 12 Jan 2009, 16:48

@ Vijay,

Thanks a lot for the wishes

@ the thread,

I agree with kamalamba. How does one define liveliness? As a direct contrast, I looked up at recent instances of concerts of the same artiste being referred to as 'lively' by members in this forum-

//kaapijingala - http://rasikas.org/forums/post102084.html#p102084

She presented a lively concert , kharaharapriya was superb and filled the entire hall, a memorable concert.
TNS stamp was there in the kalpanaswaras of pakkalanilabadi.//

Some would prefer deep music sans 'action' and would dwell on impressions and that would mean real liveliness to them. So, to make definitive sweeping statements like somebody's music is lifeless iseems rather meaningless and sounds more like personal slander rather than any purposeful criticism. About diction, I believe a good diction would imply a good understanding of the Sahithyam and in turn helps in bringing out the Bhavam. As for singing Pallavis, I don't think any senior professional artiste today would present such things on stage after being 'coached' for them by a Guru. Neither would a Guru go to such extents as to teach somebody a Pallavi explicitly.

Sathej

sethuraman · Post by **sethuraman** » 12 Jan 2009, 20:40

At my age, I need not have any personal score to settle with an artist who is my daughters' age. It is always harsh to accept truth. In these threads, we should infact encourage artists, I agree. But a reminder of certain points which may seem harsh, should be brought to picture. It helps the artist improve.

Invariably what happens is, there is a group of people writing about a particular artist, and always says his or her concert was great.

When opinions are voiced, immediately someone says that it is a personal opinion. True, everyone voices their opinion here. In my opinion, she is a good artist, no doubt. But needs to improve a lot more. Her voice has also seems to be strained nowadays. My personal feeling is that she could concentrate more on this bhava aspect.

Sathej

Again an irresponsible opinion voiced by todays' youngster.In my experience, I have seen many gurus who have taught pallavis to students. Any student cannot become a senior professional artist without the help of a guru. Do you think that artists like Gayathri could sing pallavis without being coached by a guru?

ragapriya82 · Post by **ragapriya82** » 13 Jan 2009, 10:12

sethuraman is right. Many youngsters speak without any basis. TNS is a legend and has sung this same virutham in so many ragams including behag.

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 13 Jan 2009, 10:46

I have not heard any clearly articulated thoughts on "what exactly is the problem?" with GGs music.

In my book one can say things like , on that particular day singer X's sruti was dodgy, talam was not right, has sung ragam Y in 7/9 concerts....All these have a measurable basis. Said in the right way this will help the artiste watch out for these pitfalls and improve.

To go on and on about an immeasurable quality (Bhavam...) is unnecessary. Seems like the objective is to purely put down an artiste. There are several such immeasurable qualities in music such as Bhavam, tradition, vidwat...., which combine and excite different individuals in different ways.

Again, there is also no need to compare GG with TNS or vice versa. People go to see GG for what she is and TNS for what he is, TMK for what he is Sanjay for what he is, not to see if they have learnt everything from their gurus, whether they do it better than their Gurus...........

Also, if Sathej has not heard of TNS sing Behag, it can simply be brought to his attention, rather than take a dig at youngsters.

CM (and all music for that matter) can be kept as simple as possible. Listen and enjoy; if you spot something tangible that is not quite right (and if you seriously believe you have the requisite knowledge to comment on such issues), it can be brought to the attention of the rasikas on this forum, newspapers, etc, but with due respect to the artiste and not in a dismissive way.

That is my 2 cents worth.

kaapijingala · Post by **kaapijingala** » 13 Jan 2009, 11:55

What kamalamba says it correct some postings purposely put down the artist and members give reviews irrelevant to the topics, constructive criticism will definitely help the artist to watch out for improvemnet, members are requested to avoid comparing artists with one another.

sethuraman · Post by **sethuraman** » 13 Jan 2009, 13:05

"I have not heard any clearly articulated thoughts on "what exactly is the problem?" with GGs music. "

Now that you have asked for it, here it is. GG's music is a caricature of Sudha Raghunathan. Around 1999 I could see some amount of improvement in her music and she was showing signs of bringing out TNS bani in her own small way. But a few years now, I have found a marked detrioration in her quality of music. Especially, it lacks bhava. Whether it is a measurable or immeasurable quantity, it is not found in her music and hence, I said it is lifeless. My comment may be harsh, but I would like the artist to take it in the right sense and work around it. The neraval aspect is also another weak side. Be it in krithis or pallavi neraval. When it comes to pallavi singing, but for some ( which I am sure have been done with good guidance) the others are mere recitations. Some of them are poor copies of few yesteryear artists too.

Over the years I have found GG's music to be a well marketed one.She never stands a place in the line of TNS. When it comes to TMK or Sanjay too, they are far ahead of her in terms of vidwat and quality of music. When I listen to GG, i compare her only with herself and putforth my opinion of her music. Iam sure, if she corrects and improves on this aspect, she could shine better.

Rengarajan · Post by **Rengarajan** » 13 Jan 2009, 14:33

I have gone through various views expressed on the subject . While I can understand the anxiety of Mr. Sethuraman that Gayathri's music should raise to the level of her mentor, we should accept the fact that there could be only one TNS and others , howsoever they may try, cannot bring out what TNS could. TNS and the previous generation stalwarts like Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer,GNB, Madurai Mani Iyer etc are like Kurinji flower, which does not blossom at every season of the year like other flowers. Maharajapuram Santhanam and MLV have taken the best in their respective mentors, evolved their own style and had their own place in the world of carnatic music. There are a number of front ranking artists today whose mentors were never known in concert circuits and there is no way to compare such artists' music with their mentors. In one of the concerts I attended, I have heard somebody remarking about the artist that his a poor third carbon copy of his mentor which comment the artist does not deserve at all, as the concert was really good.What a compliment for following Guru! Therefore, it can be easily concluded that if one listens to a concert without clouding one's mind with extraneous factors, one can really appreciate the goodness in them. It has been repeatedly told in this column that reviewers should desist from comparing artists and making unsavoury remarks.
About Bhava, , I am sure, that many reviewers will agree with me that lack of Knwoledge of language, many a times acts as a barrier in bringing out the bhava. Take the case of Nagumomu in Abheri. Balamuralikrishna really brings out the bhava/ emotion ingrained in the song whereas many singers sings it with an enthusiastic gait which has also been accepted. Further, many singers seems to believe in bringing out their histrionic talents rather than bhava required of the song thereby, confusing listeners as to whether they are attending a music concert or a combination of music and abhinaya.
I remember , one of the teachers instructing the students not to make any moves while singing as if a lemon is kept on their head and it should not fall. Where are those teachers? Do majorityof artists follow what Sarangdeva enunciated as regards posture, diction,decibel level,delivery etc. Further, it will be interesting to Know that majority of the artists do after every concert introspect about where they have committed mistakes and where they could have performed better,This is inspite of the encomiums they may receive about the concert.

I have been listening to Gayathri as I do for others and without comparison to anybody, I can vouch that her music has requisite quality to be ranked where she is today

srutibedam · Post by **srutibedam** » 13 Jan 2009, 17:48

Sethuraman claims to be of the age of GG's father, but he shows less maturity and dignity in the way he puts forth his views than someone less than half her age. Only the harshness would stay in the mind while his opinionated views, being only the subjective views of an individual, will not. I wonder how this Sethuraman would feel and react if someone gives a really harsh comment after hearing him sing, and in the same breath expects him to "take it in the right sense and work around it". There are ways and means of expressing the same thing. Before giving suggestions to singers on what they should do, he might as well work on his own communication skills. It is absolutely not in good taste to use words like "caricature" so loosely and make comparisons with other artists. Incidentally, he might also wish to browse through the other sections of this forum to find devastating comments from people of his own ilk on those artists for whom he has spared his laudatory views. After that, if he has the ability to understand the point, he might come round to appreciating that subjective views don't make absolute truths and it is wise to use some refinement in the way one talks.

sethuraman · Post by **sethuraman** » 13 Jan 2009, 17:49

Rengarajan,

Firstly, I have never compared GG's music with TNS at all. I have never said that Gayathri should rise to the level of TNS. It could never happen at all. It is a different question. In no way her music or anybody others' music be compared to that of TNS. I personally feel that TNS is a phenomenon, which happens quite rarely.Gayathri could be compared only with the other vocal gayathri's in the field.

Gayathri sings in the prime slot of almost all the sabhas. Being in such a level, she should show improvement in her performance too, which I find has not happened. When I listen to Gayathri, I keep her music alone in mind and never think of anyone. Whatever I have said about her music is my opinion and I strongly feel that since, she is singing as a senior she has the responsibility to better her.
Praises only are being accepted. If something slightly negative is told, it is being dubbed as unsavoury. If this forum is just to shower praises on a particular artist by a particular group, then there is no point to giving suggestions. Mediocrity has set in everything. Both artists and rasikas. No point arguing. I will wait for the day I find some life in GG's music and surely write in this forum, if I find it someday.

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 13 Jan 2009, 17:55

I fully agree with the sentiments of Rengarajan and Sruthibedam. Done in a constructive way criticism (if any) are the building blocks which an artist can leverage to climb the ladder.

Language and tone are extremely important , more so in written communication.

pallavi · Post by **pallavi** » 13 Jan 2009, 19:17

Through his postings Sri Sethuraman makes it appear that he has registered in this forum a few days back only to put this artist down.
The fact that she is performing in prime slot in most sabhas is a proof of her capability ,quality and stature.
Sri Sethuraman , I am sure ,must have hurt not only the this popular,talented senior vidushi,but also her Guru as Gayathri Girish is one of the very few frontline performing artists from his school.
sri Sethuraman refuses to understand the points made in other postings as to what should be proper criticism.I presume his age is catching up with him.
Let us respectfully ignore his postings

Rengarajan · Post by **Rengarajan** » 13 Jan 2009, 21:35

Sethuraman
Your observations gave an impression that you were particularly unhappy that her performance was not on the lines of TNS. One should remember that Gayathri has reached the present level only after rigorous practice as otherwise rasikas would have rejected her. You are talking about comparison and I am not for it. If I remember correct, rasikas vociferously rose against such comparison in a Press review of an artist year before last year and nowadays reviews in Press do not contain such comparisons.
Secondly , artists are sensitive and any review containing sweeping statements shall affect their future performances as well. There is nothing wrong to point out any specific requirement but even this, is nomally done in person by rasikas who are genuinely interested in the artist. From what has been written, there seems to be no flaw in her performance in the particular concert.
As for your observations on Marketing, I would say, it is required and more relevant than in the past, in the present context of market-driven economy and over supply (in the music field), I am sure that everybody is doing it including rasikas!

sethuraman wrote:Rengarajan,

Firstly, I have never compared GG's music with TNS at all. I have never said that Gayathri should rise to the level of TNS. It could never happen at all. It is a different question. In no way her music or anybody others' music be compared to that of TNS. I personally feel that TNS is a phenomenon, which happens quite rarely.Gayathri could be compared only with the other vocal gayathri's in the field.

Gayathri sings in the prime slot of almost all the sabhas. Being in such a level, she should show improvement in her performance too, which I find has not happened. When I listen to Gayathri, I keep her music alone in mind and never think of anyone. Whatever I have said about her music is my opinion and I strongly feel that since, she is singing as a senior she has the responsibility to better her.
Praises only are being accepted. If something slightly negative is told, it is being dubbed as unsavoury. If this forum is just to shower praises on a particular artist by a particular group, then there is no point to giving suggestions. Mediocrity has set in everything. Both artists and rasikas. No point arguing. I will wait for the day I find some life in GG's music and surely write in this forum, if I find it someday.

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 13 Jan 2009, 22:03

You have a right to your opinion Sethuraman - be it on Bhavam or comparisons to other artistes, but Cienu has put it well - you could say much the same thing in a positive way. Done in such a manner, feedback will motivate artistes to improve and all of us in the rasika community would benefit.

sureshvv · Post by **sureshvv** » 14 Jan 2009, 15:04

rshankar wrote: On another note, one aspect of Gayatri Girish's music (or maybe it is not music after all!) that doesn't get too much mention is the fact, that IMO, her enunciation is flawless - for not just in tamizh compositions.

Absolutely! Both literate and ecumenical Tamil and Sanskrit. For example, one can clearly hear the difference between Sa, S'a, Sha and Cha and understand when each one is the preferred usage. In one kriti she switches between S'aranam and charanam more than once and it just flows so smoothly. I like to credit it to her Kendriya Vidyalaya background

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 14 Jan 2009, 15:59

Sorry Suresh - could you elaborate on the KV background - didn't get the connection...

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 14 Jan 2009, 17:27

sureshvv wrote: I like to credit it to her Kendriya Vidyalaya background

Both she and I are proud alumni of the same KV...

Vijay,

I think the KV connection is wrt to languages - emphasis on dEvanAgari/sanskrit etc, and certainly to appreciate the difference between SaraNam (refuge) and caraNam (feet)!!

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 14 Jan 2009, 17:39

Ah, clear now - thanks Ravi!

sureshvv · Post by **sureshvv** » 15 Jan 2009, 22:10

Don't mean to belabor the point but I think many artistes are immediately at a disadvantage when they attempt to learn kritis in other languages using the "unadorned" tamil script. And this often shows up when they sing.

What is worse is when students learn kritis using the English Roman script (sans the help of iTrans

). Even a "simple" tamil kriti like "Vellai thamarai poovil iruppal" becomes quite a challenge both for the singer and the listener(s).

sureshvv · Post by **sureshvv** » 15 Jan 2009, 22:21

sethuraman wrote:At my age, I need not have any personal score to settle with an artist who is my daughters' age.

Really? Seems to me that you are exactly at that age where you are resentful of the "success" of another artist which has eluded your daughter!

It is always harsh to accept truth.

Amen!

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 18 Jan 2009, 10:11

sethuraman wrote: Sathej

Again an irresponsible opinion voiced by todays' youngster.

Sethuraman: Please tone it down a bit. Do not put down our fellow members' opinions.

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 18 Jan 2009, 11:29

All:
Pl try to be objective an cut out the ad hominems!

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 18 Jan 2009, 22:54

Gayathri Girish has a very special husky voice and I enjoy listening to her spirited renditions. May be some one has share some of her renditions for rasikas enjoyment.

VISHNURAMPRASAD · Post by **VISHNURAMPRASAD** » 19 Jan 2009, 20:41

I feel Mr.Sethuraman "reacted" rather than "responding" to the post on Smt.Gayathri Girish's concert. Unfortunately it was a harsh reaction and his further statements portrays that he is angry with all "Youngsters"

GG's music in my opinion has all the essential elements of a good sangeetham. Her swara sthaana shudhdham, Sruthi Shudhdham, Lakshana vivaram (especially the control while eloborating the ragas) are remarkable. Bhaavam comes into the forefront only with experience (not just by mere number of concerts). All musicians in my observation are perpetual learners and the more they learn, the more they get a chance to experience. With experience, the musician settles himself / herself and start enjoying some great moments while performing.

If you ask GG, she would certainly have had some good experiences with her music which energizes her to perform more. Music ripens which such experiences and the musician will ultimately reach that stage where he/she enjoys every moment of it.

I have read some old reviews of Smt. Vedavalli, Smt. Suguna Purushotham, Smt. Seetha Narayanan, Rama Ravi etc. where-in the same complaint of Bhavam was mentioned repeatedly. But can we talk about the same after listening to their recent concerts? Every one of them enjoy their presentation to the core and make their concerts memorable with rasikas enjoying every bit of them.

Why so far? Some old kalki reviews of Shri Semmangudi, Shri GNB were harsh enough to ridicule certain aspects of their music. Could we just go by that and conclude? The same kalki in later days lauded them for their excellent concerts.

GG has all the essential qualities to become a front ranking musician (she is already one by current standards) who can give elevating music in years to come. I feel she should rather concentrate on the balancing act between creativity (even with respect to trying new ragas, krithis and pallavis) and presentability. Once she gets the right mix, she can be the most sought-after musician.

Upon observing the music of the past maestros, she can understand how to strike the right balance between creativity and presentability. In this aspect, I would suggest let her, not to just confine with the style and approach of her guru but of all those succesful vidwans of the past like MLV / MS / DKP / NCV by listening to them repeatedly and finding out the core elements of their music to imbibe in her own style.