"Essence of Nattuvangam" book by Ms. Kamala Rani

laya2 · Post by **laya2** » 20 Dec 2009, 02:36

Hi,

Has anybody purchased the book "Essence of Nattuvangam" by Ms. Kamala Rani. Is the book useful for beginners who know dance but trying to learn Nattuvangam. Is the book in tamil or english? I look forward to your reply. I just want reviews of the book even before I buy it.

Kindly reply.

ardhanariswar · Post by **ardhanariswar** » 21 Dec 2009, 07:44

I bought three books of hers a while back, The Essence of Nattuvangam, Rupaka Thalam Theermanams, and Adi Thalam Theermanams. Its in English and she explains some concepts, but its not really meant for beginners. You're much better off getting a teacher to teach you. I tried learning Nattuvangam on my own as well, but I never came across a lot of the terminology in my music classes. I think going to a mridangam teacher will clear up some doubts if a dance teacher can't.
Hope this helps!

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 21 Dec 2009, 14:43

I think it is great that laya2 is determined to explore and discover as much as he can in this area, even without a teacher --- but nobody does basic laya exercises and theory on stage, hat is only going to come from a teacher.

rasikapriya21 · Post by **rasikapriya21** » 08 Feb 2010, 04:43

laya 2 : if you are keen on learning about nattuvangam, I would suggest having some classes with a mrdangist, preferably one who is familiar with dance repertoire. Listening to teermanas repeatedly while keeping tala is a useful exercise. As for the literature available on the subject, there aren't many books out there (in English I mean). Personally I feel Kamala Rani's books are a good place to start. I would also recommend a recent publication : SOLKATTU MANUAL An introduction to the rhythmic language of south indian music, by David P. Nelson. - though this makes more complex reading.