Prof SRJ Lec/Dem,SGMPNS-SNPMGS patterns,Parthasarathy Swami,

appu · Post by **appu** » 27 Dec 2009, 09:09

Accompanied by
Aishwarya Venkataraaman (Violin)
Vinod Venkataraman (Mridangam)
Toronto Brothers Ashwin and Rohin (Vocal Support)

This was by far the most educative and educational lecture I have ever attended. As the title suggested th lecture was on SGMPNS-SNPMGS patterns. The prof elaborated in a total of 18 ragas within this pattern. 9 Suddha madhyama patterns and 9 prati madhyama patterns for a total of 18 ragams. I took detailed notes and held on to every word uttered by the Prof. In the event I made mistakes in my notes, i have requested Aishu to make necessary corrections and I apologize in advance.

Prof SRJ's command of the english language is absolutely remarkable. If he was not a musicologist, I would wager he would have been an incredible prof of literature. Before I dvelve into the depths of this lecture, let me talk about the accompanists.

"BILAHARI" our forum member, how did you know Aishu was accompaning?. You mentioned it in another thread. There was no mention till I got to the hall. The lecture was well attended by students professionals and teachers. In attendance were Veena Gayathri, Unnikrishanan, Arun Prakash (I think) and others. Aishu for her maiden attempt in accompaniment did a very good job, and was able to navigate the changes in ragams. Her tone was very good and played with confidence. Vinod Venkataraman on the mridangam did not have much to do and came in only when a kirtanam was sung or a pallavii line was rendered. His tirmanams were all half avartanams and were very succinct. The TORONTO brothers have much admiration for their teacher as was clearly evident on stage, and of course the admiration of the teacher for his students was mutual. Every opportunity the Prof had he let the brothers develop a alapanai.

Lastly the lecture was completely video taped by Aishu's mother and I have requested her to upload the lecture on YOUTUBE. She said she would get the requisite permission and do her best to upload.

SUDDHA MADHYAMA RAGAMS:

1. Prof SRJ started the lecture with Gambiranattai. The associated Melakarta is Mayamalavagowla. he sang a beutiful kriti in Khanda Chapu talam. He also mentioned that this was ragam number 9 in the Suddha Madhayama ragams.

2. Ragam # 2 was Kantarakapani. The associated Melakarta is Kanakangi. This ragam is meant only for vocalists as on the instrument it is played like Suddha saveri
3. Ragam # 3 was Panchalika. The associated Melakarta is Ratnangi. the ragam sounded very close to Madhyamavati.
4. Ragam # 4 was Varavarnini. . The associated Melakarta is Ganamoorthi. the ragam sounded very close to brindavani.
5. Ragam # 5 was Veetika. . The associated Melakarta is Senavatii.
6. Ragam # 6 was Suddhadhanyasi. The associated Melakarta is Hanumatthodi. Here Prof SRJ mentioned (I think) that this ragam is incorrectly called Udayaravichandrika.
7. Ragam # 7 was Sratasvini. The associated Melakarta is Denuka and this ragam is Udayaravichandrika.
8. Ragam # 8 was Vrijinaharini. The associated Melakarta is Gayakapriya. resembles very much Nagaswaravali. The prof toggled between both ragams to show the marked distinction.
9. Ragam # 9 was Savithri. The associated Melakarta is Vakulabharanam. This ragam is now in vogue with many artists singing this. This ragam very much resembles Tilang without the Dhaivatham.

Of course Gambiranattai was discussed at length first. Whereever a famous kriti could be rendered, this was done, otherwise the ragam was developed with a beautiful Pallavi line.

PRATI MADHYAMA RAGAMS

10. Ragam # 10 was Samalapini. The associated Melakarta is Salagam and resembles Vandhanadharini.
11. Ragam # 11 was Stotrapriya. The associated Melakarta is Jalarnavam and could be redesignated as Pratimadhyamavati.
12. Ragam # 12 was Harrabhooshani. The associated Melakarta is Jhalavarali and resembles Varadha. Of course wrongly called Hamsanadham
13. Ragam # 13 was Sinjini.The associated Melakarta is Gavambodhi.
14. Ragam # 14 was Sumanesaranjini. The associated Melakarta is Bhavapriya.
15. Ragam # 15 was Soudhamani. The associated Melakarta is Subhapanthuvarali.
16. Ragam #16 was Sputalapini. The associated Melakarta is Dhavalambari.
17. Ragam # 17 was Hridini. The associated Melakarta is Namanarayani.
18. Ragam # 18 was Amrithavarshini.The associated Melakarta is Kamavardhini

Prof SRJ concluded the Lec/Dem with a beautiful rendering of Ananda Amruta Karshini. The bros and Aishu knew this kriti really well and all of them ended the Lecture at an absolute high note. The podium was then open for a detailed Q and A from the audience. Lastly Prof SRJ introduced everyone on stage and mentioned that Aishu had an acceptance from various schools for a pre med program. and that Shri Vinod has developed her musical ability really well by being a disciplinarian and a caring father. Upon talking to Aishu she mentioned that she had been accepted to Stanford under early decision and to the Univ of Pittsburgh in their Honors college under the guaranteed 7 yr med school with a full scholarship. When I prrodded where she would go, she said she was not sure as she is still holding out for Harvard, Duke, Princeton and Rice/Baylor (8 yr med program). Decisions from these schools come only in March. I wish her and the Toronto bros all the best. I was hoping to talk to them too. But they were very busy.

I hope I have done justice to this lecture series and have not gone overboard. Any mistakes or errors are unintentional.

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 27 Dec 2009, 09:32

Great write up Appu. Thanks very much.

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 27 Dec 2009, 13:39

appu wrote: 6. Ragam # 6 was Suddhadhanyasi. The associated Melakarta is Hanumatthodi. Here Prof SRJ mentioned (I think) that this ragam is incorrectly called Udayaravichandrika.
14. Ragam # 14 was Sumanesaranjini. The associated Melakarta is Bhavapriya.
18. Ragam # 18 was Amrithavarshini.The associated Melakarta is Kamavardhini

well only these 3 ragas are to an extent popular , rest are yet taken up by musicians . Is amrithavarshini the janya of citrAmbari (66 melakartha) little different from kamavardhini janya

pattamaa · Post by **pattamaa** » 27 Dec 2009, 20:09

It was indeed a great lecdem! I enjoyed every bit of it, very informative. But most of the stuff went over the head for me. I will refer my notes, and try to add more later. Appu - good job done. Ashwin and Rohin gave good support, and SRJ mama asked them to sing once in a while, and always consulted them for rAgA names etc. Unlike the list above in #1 post, mAmA sang suddha madhyama and prati madhyama versions in succession. He also introduced some nice humor like 2 batsmen back to pavilion etc! On the swara sthanas, he sang swara name - like "sudda rishabam" in that swara sthana, etc! This added more color. For some of the ragas, one particular swara pattern was sung, by mama, and in some places by brothers.

Hope mama continue to educate us with more such programs.

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 27 Dec 2009, 21:07

Fantastic appu! You have whetted our appetite by that fine reporting! We will be looking out for that Youtube uploads as early as possible. Perhaps Dhavlambari can help us when it is out.
Many many thanks for that fine reporting; it is studded with raga gems!

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 28 Dec 2009, 19:42

Thank you so much Appu for this wonderful report

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 28 Dec 2009, 21:18

Nice report, appu. Thanks. Most of these ragas aren't heard in concerts. BTW, Aishu had informed me that this was to be her debut pakkavAdyam performance - that's how I knew.

thanjavooran · Post by **thanjavooran** » 29 Dec 2009, 04:06

shri Appu,
An excellent write up. Normally I never miss his Lec dem. This time I could not make it. Thanks a lot.
Thanjavooran

raga82 · Post by **raga82** » 30 Dec 2009, 07:03

chk this out
http://www.archive.org/details/ProfSrj

for the benefit of all sangeetasasstra rasikaaNAm

pattamaa · Post by **pattamaa** » 30 Dec 2009, 10:24

Here is text reference of the lecture - which will be published in sabha journal soon. I have checked with SRJ mama's student before sharing here

http://www.sendspace.com/file/hzf6x0

Srividya1 · Post by **Srividya1** » 13 Jan 2010, 02:09

Hello everyone,

I am new to this forum. I video taped the Lec/Dem. I was asked to upload the lecture. After getting necessary permission from SRJ mama I give you the youtube links. Hope you enjoy the Lec/Dem.

Regards,

Srividya

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STsSFm7PeN0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJ9BZz3Zsfw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA-jn0PucZU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F3PBj5mymA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VVG1hbbo6k

Srividya1 · Post by **Srividya1** » 13 Jan 2010, 02:10

Here are the remaining links. Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSFZZKcAkMY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IBuseLKjEo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9753ErCJb6c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk_ZWEmQJiw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MdogiDx4C8

venkatpv · Post by **venkatpv** » 13 Jan 2010, 02:45

Awesome sound quality! Thank you very much.

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 13 Jan 2010, 05:34

Many thanks for this New Year gift!
Also many thanks to Prof SRJ for the permission to share with us...

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 13 Jan 2010, 06:51

What an amazing shruti control! Simply marvellous!
This is a treat for rare exotic raga lovers...

gobilalitha · Post by **gobilalitha** » 13 Jan 2010, 06:59

EXCELLENT. Things explained even to a layman, not knowledgable about carnatic music. the quality of the output is very sweet.Many thanks to SriVidya1. Her interest to part with what she has admired for the benefit of forum members is really praiseworthy. hope she will continue her good work. ASH-RO, You are extremely blessed to have Poojyasri SRJ as your guru . gobilalitha

gobilalitha · Post by **gobilalitha** » 13 Jan 2010, 07:08

sorry. I forgot to mention APPU,the originator of this topic . many thanks to him.gobilalitha

pattamaa · Post by **pattamaa** » 13 Jan 2010, 08:28

Excellent. These kind of lecdem must be preserved for posterity. Now i can rest in peace and listen to this multiple times, as many things went over the head during lecdem. Thanks lot to SRJ mama for wonderful lecdem, and allowing the treasure to be shared with rasika community.

Divya Gopalan · Post by **Divya Gopalan** » 13 Jan 2010, 09:13

Thank you Srividya1 for sharing these. Very interesting!

Srividya1 · Post by **Srividya1** » 13 Jan 2010, 09:51

Thank you Divya Gopalan, pattamaa, gobilalitha and others. All I did was record and make it available after getting permission. Here are the last 2 links of the lecture. This completes the whole lecture which was about an hour and thirty five minutes. The links are uploaded in order. If you follow the links the way I have provided there will be no lapse in time and continuity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_E_vGGyQRE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ4eTcqVCO4

Enjoy

appu · Post by **appu** » 13 Jan 2010, 10:09

Dear Aishu's mother, Welcome to the forum. Thank you so much for getting permission and uploading the videos as promised. I am so looking forward to watching these youtube videos at leisure. There is so much knowledge to acquire that it is mind boggling. Also rasikas take a moment and listen to the elaboration of various ragas by the Toronto brothers. For her debut pakkavadyam, Aishu has done an excellent job. Kudos to all the youngsters.

Keep it up everyone. You all are the future of our Karnataka sangeetam

pattamaa · Post by **pattamaa** » 13 Jan 2010, 10:24

Dear Srividya Mam - Do you have recording of SRJ mama's lecdem in Narada gana sabha last month? I think topic was divya nama keerthana? I heard it was great, but missed attending.

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 13 Jan 2010, 11:36

Yes Aishu should be congratulated for the excellent accompaniment. It is not that easy to accompany rare ragas especially note by note and she has done a superb job maintaining shruti shuddham. Of course theToronto Bros have done a great support. On the whole this is a classic. And let me congratulate Venkatraman for the superb tala alignment which was highly appreciated by Prof SRJ himself. Yes! This is a classic lec dem. And we are very grateful to Srividya (?Aishu's mother) and also for her joing our Forum and I have welcomed her in advance!

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 13 Jan 2010, 11:44

>Yes Aishu should be congratulated for the excellent accompaniment.

Yes, Aishu sounds quite accomplished in her shadowing of Prof. SRJ.

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 13 Jan 2010, 11:56

Lovely accompaniment Aishu

gobilalitha · Post by **gobilalitha** » 13 Jan 2010, 13:41

yes , very lovely indeed. i should have mentioned earlier.
cienu, for your information, ASH-RO are my chittappa's grandsons .gobilalitha

appu · Post by **appu** » 13 Jan 2010, 19:53

Pataamaa, I attended that Lec/Dem at Narada Gana Sabha. I cannot seem to find my notes of that Lecture. I thought I had written a review but must have forgotten. I did catch up on so many concerts during the season.

I recollect a camera in the far cornor of the mini hall. Hopefully Aishu's mother captured that series too. If she did, please upload for the listening pleasure of our rasikas.

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 14 Jan 2010, 08:18

gobilalitha wrote: cienu, for your information, ASH-RO are my chittappa's grandsons .gobilalitha

GBL,

You must be proud of your nephews. My best wishes to both Ashwin and Rohan

venkatpv · Post by **venkatpv** » 14 Jan 2010, 18:46

In Part 10 of the video uploaded, a question was posed to Prof.SRJ, which he couldn't quite hear clearly. He felt that his response did not answer the question appropriately. His response to the question: Can the learner use janta patterns as was done in the demonstration to better understand "full" ragas, i.e sampurna ragas? is -

Yes. There is ample scope for janta and dhattu patterns in sampurna, audava, and shadava ragas. Perhaps they even add to the beauty. However, janta patterns may not be used liberally in vakra ragas.

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 14 Jan 2010, 20:19

Aishu's mom srividya
Thanks , the lecdem is lovely. By any chance do you or anyone else the lecdem of last season 2008-2009 in the same PSS, where Shri SRJ gave a lecdem comparing dikshitar and thyagarAjar. The title was something like "taught by Dikshitar , ?? by ThyagarAjar". Could you get that from Shri SRJ and if he is willing can you share.

Srividya1 · Post by **Srividya1** » 19 Jan 2010, 21:29

pattamaa wrote:Dear Srividya Mam - Do you have recording of SRJ mama's lecdem in Narada gana sabha last month? I think topic was divya nama keerthana? I heard it was great, but missed attending.

Pattamaa

I did record that lecture too. I will get permission and try to upload that to You tube for the listening pleasure of all rasikas.

rajeshnat wrote:Aishu's mom srividya
Thanks , the lecdem is lovely. By any chance do you or anyone else the lecdem of last season 2008-2009 in the same PSS, where Shri SRJ gave a lecdem comparing dikshitar and thyagarAjar. The title was something like "taught by Dikshitar , ?? by ThyagarAjar". Could you get that from Shri SRJ and if he is willing can you share.

Rajeshnat:

I did not record any lectures during the last season.