YACM 25th Anniversary Celebrations

tkb · Post by **tkb** » 25 Aug 2010, 08:07

Vk,

Yes it was indeed a great team effort and Kudos to the PA sytem team at the Music Academy led by Sri Balaji (as also mentioned by Dr. GK) for providing great sound balance for this team. As Dr. GK mentioned it is not easy to balance 4 electronic instruments (silent violin, keyboard & 02 Rhythm pads) with 3 acoustic instruments (Mrudhanga, Kanjeera & Ghatam) with Dr. Karthick on Vocal.

rithvikraja

Compliments to the YACM team for taking this effort on the web and nice idea to bring the chat window.

Enna_Solven · Post by **Enna_Solven** » 25 Aug 2010, 10:27

I had to leave for work and could listen to Prasanna's concert till pazhani ninra. Though I liked it much, I wish he gives more attention to parsing the words correctly and pronunciation.

He sang 'sura cittulu' instead of 'asura cittulu' in yagnAdulu ; "kaNDA' instead of 'kaNDa' in pazhani ninra; 'nI enduku' instead of "nIkenduku" in enduku dayarAdurA when the pallavi folds back on itself.

sureshvv · Post by **sureshvv** » 25 Aug 2010, 11:04

Yep. I felt Dr. Kartik's voice was the weakest link. But the concept and execution was quite awesome. One improvement would be if they have solo sessions for all instruments during each piece rather than just make each primarily violin or keyboard. For eg., wish Sathya has jumped in for a solo session in 7-butter rather than having the whole piece on the violin.

The quality of sound generated by the electronic instruments was a revelation. Was particularly awed by the percussion pad which could sound exactly like a thavil (finger caps, banging on the rim etc.) and later exactly like a santoor.

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 25 Aug 2010, 12:36

I thought Karthik's voice was excellent for konnakkal and for recitation. Somehow, when he added the ingredient of melody, the weight went out of it. It's not that there was anything wrong with it, and in the context it was fine. He was not being a soloist in a classical concert, he was singing with his own band, and that's fine.

The availability of the stream has, today, widened my horizons. This is not a concert that I would have gone to. Much as I respect Karthik as an individual and as a ghatam artist, this is not really my kind of presentation: I prefer to see him on the classical stage. Anyway, thanks to YACM for bringing me this extra experience.

And I wish they would get rid of that banner at the bottom of the video! Please!

mankuthimma · Post by **mankuthimma** » 25 Aug 2010, 16:01

Somehow, when he added the ingredient of melody, the weight went out of it.

My Mind goes back in time to another occasion when Karthiks singing got me the goosebumps - As can be seen in this video.
A brilliant moment in their fusion Concert.
Nick this is the kind of presentation you are going to Like .
A fine piece of history from Isai Vizhas of the past
http://www.mediafire.com/?88cj534ii93n9

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 25 Aug 2010, 18:36

(I'm downloading the first file --- but it's big and slow) (ahh... it's video)

I don't think there is a need for a voice to be a great voice to move people. The what and the how can be a lot more important.

How about Bob Dylan? Did he move people? Indeed he did. Did he have a good voice? He had a horrible voice!

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 25 Aug 2010, 20:14

Beautiful dharmavati rAgam and tAnam by Shashank and Purbayan Chaterjee. A well-executed jugalbandi is so rare!

mankuthimma · Post by **mankuthimma** » 25 Aug 2010, 20:16

Nick .
You wont be disappointed!!!!
There is Konakkol . And Morsing too.....

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 25 Aug 2010, 20:18

The violin was lovely. Then my download dropped to dial-up speeds. I will be trying again

This YACM concert going on now is an absolute stunner. It is billed as "conversation" and ye, it is a true jugalbandi

If I had had had any idea ...I would have been there.

Babu · Post by **Babu** » 25 Aug 2010, 20:25

I could not agree with you more Nick on the Jugalbandhi we are watching uttering the word "wow" again and again. The reception in Texas is so good and I feel that I am in the auditorium. I had some problem with the first concert regarding the audio initially and it improved by leaps and bounds later.

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 25 Aug 2010, 20:37

I agree, this conversation concert is jelling very well.

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 25 Aug 2010, 20:52

The concert just gets better. I haven't seen Shashank for a while, and only in carnatic, but this is outstanding. And all the musicians are gelling (jelling?) really well

mankuthimma · Post by **mankuthimma** » 25 Aug 2010, 21:06

It is an epoch making innovation , Rithvik.
I can see the sabha buildings turning into Malls in Ten years time.

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 25 Aug 2010, 21:08

NickH:
I know you are not fond of American words. But vk meant gelling alright but Kraft spells it as Jell-O. Perhaps he was guided by that.

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 25 Aug 2010, 21:30

Nice sindhu bhairavi. I enjoyed this concert. I really hope some of these programs will be available for viewing later on - it's especially difficult for us on the West Coast to watch the concerts when we need to be at work/school/in bed!

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 25 Aug 2010, 21:35

(gelling, not as in jelly: you have no idea how much trouble our own language gives us Brits!)

It was a super concert, and I really wish I had been there. Did I hear that they play together regularly? I won't miss next time I see.

Breaking news (as of now, at any rate): tomorrow's concert will not be webcast in India as Vijay Siva has not given permission. Let the controversy roll. Again.

I do feel that they would have a fuller hall, though, without the webcast. Actually, I was going to go tomorrow: now, maybe I won't.

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 25 Aug 2010, 21:38

Will it stream to the US or not?

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 25 Aug 2010, 21:40

MK, I think it should still be webcast overseas since Ritvik only mentioned it would not be webcast 'within India'. Perhaps he can clarify.

Did anyone watch the preceding vocal trio concert? How was that?

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 25 Aug 2010, 22:06

bilahari wrote: it's especially difficult for us on the West Coast to watch the concerts when we need to be at work/school/in bed!

Us 'east-coasters' also have similar issues! So, setting up a system where we can catch these later will be a wonderful service, even if it were 'On Demand/Pay-Per-View'...

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 25 Aug 2010, 22:09

Only a few minutes, and not really "watch", but was busy with other things. What little I heard was very nice.

Bilahari is correct, "Within India" was stated. Whether the rest of the world will get it, then, depends on whether or not they have the have the facility to recognise Indian IP addresses. Not a technically difficult thing to do (commercial TV broadcasters like the BBC do it) just they might not have thought of it.

Babu · Post by **Babu** » 25 Aug 2010, 22:13

As regards the first concert, the first 30 + minutes of the concert was distorted at my end! The later part was OK. I thought they sang well. Regards

venkatpv · Post by **venkatpv** » 25 Aug 2010, 22:32

Amritha Murali was the pick of the three vocalists today, IMHO. good stuff!

sureshvv · Post by **sureshvv** » 25 Aug 2010, 22:41

Neraval in varali was excellent. Great energy in the team and yet they were able to show off their individual strengths.

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 25 Aug 2010, 22:42

I did not see any of her renditions in youtube. If some one can share any link, I will appreciate.

ragam-talam · Post by **ragam-talam** » 25 Aug 2010, 23:05

mankuthimma wrote:I can see the sabha buildings turning into Malls in Ten years time.

And they may install big screens where you can watch the webcasts, thus becoming virtual sabhas!

Enna_Solven · Post by **Enna_Solven** » 26 Aug 2010, 09:25

rithvikraja,

Thank you again for an outstanding concert by Amritha-Gayathri-Nisha. They were in great form and the synergy of the performance was truly enjoyable. Bhairavi alapana was superb.

See, if you give us good webcast quality the first day, you need to keep it up

We got used to it and so many of us were complaining through shoutcast!!

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 26 Aug 2010, 11:05

Nick H wrote:(gelling, not as in jelly: you have no idea how much trouble our own language gives us Brits!)

Not that much thinking went into 'jelling', just came naturally..

For whatever it is worth, here is an article on that...
http://www.al.com/news/press-register/g ... xml&coll=3

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 26 Aug 2010, 15:18

Oh, thanks!

I do think that the performance by Shashank and co, yesterday evening, has been "undermentioned" (Hmmm... my spellchecker thinks the word exists!). Does that mean underappreciated? (spellchecker says no to that one) . I rate it as having being a fabulous, first-rate musical experience.

ragam-talam · Post by **ragam-talam** » 26 Aug 2010, 15:57

Couple of suggestions to Rithvik & team:
1. Provide your email address right below the screen, so that people can send you any questions etc. directly. Better still, if you can provide a mail submission area, that would be good.
2. If you can provide a 'legend' under each artiste showing their name, that would be helpful. You don't have to do this all the time, perhaps once in the beginning of a concert and once towards the end.

Overall you guys are doing an excellent job! And you are setting a 'gold standard' for future events.
Best wishes for all the success in future endeavours of YACM.

rithvikraja · Post by **rithvikraja** » 26 Aug 2010, 17:51

We shall respond to all your queries and suggestions on a later date. This is just a quick post to let you know that streaming for the first programme is on now. For the second programme (for that of Sri N. Vijay Siva) webcast will not be available within India. Just for your information.

Thanks a lot

Rithvik

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 26 Aug 2010, 18:25

Oh, the TMK Fuss Club again, eh?

I hope you'll pass on the feedback.

By the way, does he think that people outside India won't record, or doesn't he mind that?

(always open to correction if I'm running away with the wrong end of the stick here... but somehow, I doubt it.)

As I commented on your shoutbox yesterday, I would have come to this concert, but Vijay Siva's lack of generosity puts me off. Logical or not, reasonable or not, somehow I wouldn't have minded so much if he had not wanted to be broadcast at all.

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 26 Aug 2010, 18:52

NickH:
I agree with you on this point. VS should have said "no" to the entire webcast--domestic or overseas. I will feel guilty listening to the webcast in the east coast of US while you folks in India are denied that privilege. Perhaps VS has other reasons for this partial blackout --(does not want to jeopardize his future visits to the US, I guess) .

I will keep you posted on the event.

rithvikraja · Post by **rithvikraja** » 26 Aug 2010, 19:11

I just spoke to Vijay Siva anna and he has condescended to discuss the possibility of making this recording available for the public on a future date.

mankuthimma · Post by **mankuthimma** » 26 Aug 2010, 19:21

condescended ??
to discuss ????
the possibility ??????
at a future date ????????

He is living in an Ivory Tower....
By the time I have typed these words , one more junk tune would have been composed in the labs of Kodambakkam
,waiting to be lapped by hysterical masses , on some friday in the near future.

venkatpv · Post by **venkatpv** » 26 Aug 2010, 19:26

poor thing (i mean rithvik), he meant "consented"!!

be that as it may, VS' decision is in poor form.

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 26 Aug 2010, 19:33

I guess it is a poor choice of word (condescended) and timing too (in the future) and the uncertainty part (discuss). Well, sometimes a damage done cannot be undone by half-hearted attempts at rectification. Those who live by the sword ............

Those who are annoyed now will not be mollified by the "generous" gesture at all. They would do without it. They have their self-pride to protect, you see.

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 26 Aug 2010, 19:46

I agree - the webcast should either apply to all or to none. May I ask, Rithvik, what the rationale (if any) behind his decision is?

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 26 Aug 2010, 19:54

that we may record it!

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 26 Aug 2010, 19:58

bilahari wrote:I agree - the webcast should either apply to all or to none. May I ask, Rithvik, what the rationale (if any) behind his decision is?

bilahari:
ritivikraja is helpless here. He is going by the "wishes" of vijayasiva. Let us enjoy the music anyway, irrespective of the ramifications of the decision to blackout in India. I sympathize with the folks in India.

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 26 Aug 2010, 20:04

Just to update:
VS first presented a tEvAram of sambhandar after discussing the episode of smabhandar and nAvukkarasar on the gold coin episode in VedAranyan (I guess) when appar's coins were given more value in barter than those of sambhandar. Sambhandar's song of appeal to Lord shiva was sung. It seems Shiva replied though S is a great devotee, appar has done lot of kaingaryam and hence his coins were more valuable.

Next he talked about Youvanam (youth) which is the theme of his concert. He talked about the young saint VivEkAnanda. He is following it with a sanskrit kriti ---mahAshAnthim mUrthim (I don't know the composer)--nATTakkurinji --yes!

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 26 Aug 2010, 20:08

If at all he performs in US and it is webcast, he might insist on a blackout there.

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 26 Aug 2010, 20:17

Next item: a short talk about the separation of body and soul, not paying attention to body. That is considered the greatest penance. Thyagaraja's kriti is taken up. SankarAbharaNam addressing "dasharatha bAlA" Kriti--manasu swAdhIna
neraval at : tanuvu tAnu tAdAni (?) endu vAniki

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 26 Aug 2010, 20:39

Beautiful accompaniment by RKSK and JV, by the way. RKSK's first neraval response in mandra stAyi was outstanding.

prashant · Post by **prashant** » 26 Aug 2010, 20:44

mahishAnti mUrtim in nATakurinji is a composition of Dr. V. V. Srivatsa.

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 26 Aug 2010, 20:49

VS talked about how not to complain that we are getting old, "vayasAyuDuttu sir". He points out Nature is always young--the mountains, rivers, Sun etc.,
He is following the talk with MD's kriti in senchuruTTi :gangE mAm pAhi"
That was so quick. He finished it so soon.

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 26 Aug 2010, 20:52

Next is a talk on love transforming into bhakthi. He is leading to "vEdam niRainda ThamizhnADu" of Mahakavi Bharathi. The song is "senthamizh nADenum pOdhinilE" --kAvaDic cindu

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 26 Aug 2010, 20:58

oLi paDaitta kaNNinAl to conclude.

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 26 Aug 2010, 20:58

That was an unfortunately short concert! I was hoping for more. Nonetheless, it was enjoyable.

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 26 Aug 2010, 21:00

I liked what he said about kAdhal, how that feeling towards another human when applied to God becomes bhakthi. And 60th birthday celebration is a nice way to show that kAdhal. ( Love after marriage )

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 26 Aug 2010, 21:01

I also liked his answer to the audience question just now.