M.S. Subbulakshmi

Ramasubramanian M.K · Post by **Ramasubramanian M.K** » 20 Mar 2011, 05:57

Cienu: I fully endorse VKV's suggestion to record your Mom's observations. I know she has tons of stories--all in good humour--about the dance practice lessons from Vazhuvoor besides several other happenings in her life with MS Amma.

Also if you can post the Syamasastry Swarjathi piece in Thodi ----Rave Himagiri Kumari--that is a classic where your Mother sings in the higher octave and MS Amma sings in the lower octave--also if you can locate a Padam in Yadukula Kambodhi(Upamu Gane) .

The best comment about her support to MS Amma I heard from DKJ. After a concert of MS Amma and your mother--I think in the Music Academy--DKJ goes up to the stage and tells your Mom-- in Tamil-- Pattammalukku Oru Jayaraman,MS Amma vikku Oru Radha--tough to top this!!!

advaitam · Post by **advaitam** » 20 Mar 2011, 19:40

Yes such an audio memoire should truly be an indispensable to all of us who wish to experience that magical period in our cultural past. I am glad to share here some rare audio tracks that have been uploaded to Youtube by Paramparaa1916 (I believe this maybe yet another of Cienu sir's endeavours). Some excellent rare photos also accompany the rare recordings. Kudos sir, and keep the good music coming

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWPWEivfmqE - Evari Bodhana

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=razC37HQzvM - Saketa Nagaranatha

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=734fDjHg ... re=related - Naada Tanumanisham

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QjkOi3G ... re=related - Saraseeruhaasanapriye

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS2sMzLD ... re=related - Bhajare Gopalam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLmhWQEB ... re=related - Pibare Ramarasam

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 21 Mar 2011, 11:06

rshankar wrote: Do you know why there are so many pU mAlais around? And what was the occasion......

Amma recalls that this was a dance performance at the Madras Music college on the occasion of the visit of Yehudi Menuhin. The program was inaugurated by Bezawada Gopala Reddy (seen in this picture to the left of MMI with a garland on his lap) who was then the Finance Minister of Madras State in Rajaji's cabinet. Amma recalls that In the audience (apart from those already mentioned) were Yehudi Menuhin, Musiri (who was also the Principal of the Music College ), MSG and Thirupamburam Swaminatha Pillai .

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 21 Mar 2011, 11:12

cacm wrote:I want to write an article JUST based on this picture for next year's Cleveland Brochure & wonder if I can use this picture as the basis of my feelings, remarks & observations......VKV

VKV Sir,
You are most welcome to use this picture.

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 21 Mar 2011, 11:24

Ramasubramanian M.K wrote: Also if you can post the Syamasastry Swarjathi piece in Thodi ----Rave Himagiri Kumari--that is a classic where your Mother sings in the higher octave and MS Amma sings in the lower octave--

Hello Ramesh Mama
The Todi Swarajati is part of the recent commercial release by Charsur in the Paddhati series from the 1956 Music Academy concert. I get goose bumps everytime I hear this ! No wonder that this masterpiece is the ring tone for my mobile too

However I am uploading a small clip of the mother - daughter duo singing in different octaves. (year 1966 - Syracuse University)
This is a Padam in Gaulipantu - Vijaya Dwaraka - by Papanasam Sivan.
The tune is the same as Kshetragna's padam in this ragam (Kuvalayaakshiro)
http://www.mediafire.com/?aurztpdvu37oiza

srikant1987 · Post by **srikant1987** » 21 Mar 2011, 11:35

cienu wrote:No wonder that this masterpiece is the ring tone for my mobile too

Do you even answer your calls then?!

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 24 Mar 2011, 08:45

With reference to the picture in # 448 A few more persons have been identified.
Behind Vazhuvoor, with the face partially covered by the focus light is Chembai.
Sitting below Kalki Kannan (who is standing)is Sri Varadappan (son in law of Late Bhaktavatsalam - CM of Tamil Nadu and husband of Sarojini Varadappan)
At the backstage (below Smt Radha's right hand) the person who is sitting wearing Glasses and with hands folded is Budalur Krishnamurthy Sastrigal.
Sitting next to Budalur , with hand covering the mouth is Late Ananthanarayanan, husband of Smt Thangam (niece of MS and Sadasivam).

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 24 Mar 2011, 19:50

Cienu - What a wonderful list of VIPs in attendance! Was your mother aware of the political, musical and cultural clout wielded by these guests at that time? IIRC, Smt. Gowri, in her talk 'The Shy Girl from Madurai' does indicate that her mother (the late Smt. Anandi) in all her innocence did not appreciate the enormity of the audience in those days. Was that true of your mother as well?
Can you edit your post (#448) to add the new names - it makes for easier identification?

Ramasubramanian M.K · Post by **Ramasubramanian M.K** » 25 Mar 2011, 05:45

Cienu: You are rekindling fond memories of the Kalki Gardens days_ I can say I have had close contacts with the likes of Ananthanna,Kannan,Varadappan(who was a fixture in the Fifties--at a time when his Father-in-law M.Bhathavatsalam was CM of Tamil Nadu and Rajaji was
firing" missiles thro Swarajya and Kalki at the Kamraj and Bhakthavatsalam regimes and typical of TS Mama,his hospitality to Mrs Varadappan(Sarojini--who even at that time was an active Social Worker--was undiminished. Those were Great moments where persons of impeccable stature and principle despite holding divergent political views would be entertained at the Kalki Gardens with the same level of respect and grace as the perennial hangers-on at the Kalki Gardens complex. I am sure Cienu you were old enough to witness first hand the goings-on at the Kalki Gardens.

As for Anandhi my own view is that she was reticent and perhaps not as outgoing --in front of crowds but in private she was the "Chip of the old block"(Kalki Mama"). I cannot forget even when she herself was sick, she used to visit MS Amma (after YS Mama's death)--once she came in an Autorickshaw on a hot day in Summer-- she could write in Tamil very well as well as English-- we have a 10-page letter that she wrote my mother in 1956 when my niece was born--the first grandchild in the family at that time--waxing eloquent about the joys of motherhood(for my sister)--Anandhi was in her Mid twenties with one child Gowri at that time!!! that time and had

As for the query about whether Radha grasped the enormity of those moments I can say with emphasis she showed great aplomb and was the center stage with her ever present smile and astute observations about the "characters-- their mannerisms, idiosynchrasies -- I could go on and on--Suffice it to say if Radha ever decided to do stand-up comedy we would all be rolling in the aisles with stitches!!!

advaitam · Post by **advaitam** » 03 Apr 2011, 14:40

Yet another upload at Paramparaa1916

Paarukulle Nallanaadu - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEk3_SfmpJU

CRama · Post by **CRama** » 05 Apr 2011, 20:45

A rare song sung by MS Amma most beautifully- Mamakaaparaadha kshatham- Thodi- composition of Narayana Theerthar from Rama Seva Mandali concert 1989 Link-http://www.sendspace.com/file/81yml7

CRama · Post by **CRama** » 06 Apr 2011, 22:46

The above link is not correct. Pl find the revised link - http://www.sendspace.com/file/mqy9lf

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 07 Apr 2011, 04:39

C Rama.

The song is of Narayanatheerthr Tharangani. This can be listened at

'e'-swara at http://myblogkumara.blogspot.com/

Folder (Barat Ratna MS Subhulakshmi -Continuation)

Thank you.

venkatakailasam

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 07 Apr 2011, 14:29

A song on Kanchi Maha Periava: Composed by Shri Periswamy Thooran.

Mixing by me;

E SWARA-Dev 004-Barat Ratna MS Subbalakshmi-kanchiperiyavar-Periswamy Thooran

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2-x1yFwv9o

Audio of this song is available at 'e'-swara at http://myblogkumara.blogspot.com/

venkatakailasam

Aditto · Post by **Aditto** » 10 Apr 2011, 11:21

Any available concert recording of MS singing "Seeta Kalayana Vaibhogame"?? !! Has she sung that ??

Thanks,
Aditya.

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 10 Apr 2011, 13:34

Inner peace and timeless faith

GOWRI RAMNARAYAN read at-If you have not already!!

http://www.india-seminar.com/2004/540/5 ... arayan.htm

venkatakailasam

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 10 Apr 2011, 14:10

# 465:

I have two versions-one by Priya sisters in Raga Behag and another one by Neeraja Vishnubhatla.

If you require, I can give link to media fire, if you can send your mail Id

As for as Smt MSS is concerned, you can search sangeethapriya.org
venkatakailasam

Aditto · Post by **Aditto** » 13 Apr 2011, 12:22

I have listened to the versions of BMK and PS.
I was wondering if MS's rendition is available.

Perhaps, cienu sir can throw some light on this piece of information. MS having sung many marriage concerts, the probability of her singing this particular song is high.

Cienu Sir, awaiting your reply with a link

Regards,
Aditya.

perarulalan · Post by **perarulalan** » 13 Apr 2011, 15:12

Aditto wrote:Any available concert recording of MS singing "Seeta Kalayana Vaibhogame"?? !! Has she sung that ??

Thanks,
Aditya.

Dear Aditya

Here is the recording of the song you requested!! As VK and CRama have mentioned, may not be MSS

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

Regards
arul

CRama · Post by **CRama** » 13 Apr 2011, 20:57

Perarulalan. Thank you for the link to Seetha kalyana vaibhogame. It was very delightful.

That too singing each of the line in second kalam was a revelation to me. I have never heard anybody doing that. Thanks.
But I have a basic doubt. Please pardon me for this question. Is it sung by MSS? I have a doubt. Looks like sung by Smt Brinda.
Cienu Sir, Pl hear the link and tell me if it is MSAmma or anybody else.

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 13 Apr 2011, 21:11

I had similar doubt.....Whether it is Smt. MSS.Looks like a very old recording from tape.

venkatakailasam

perarulalan · Post by **perarulalan** » 14 Apr 2011, 10:06

CRama wrote:Perarulalan. Is it sung by MSS? I have a doubt. Looks like sung by Smt Brinda.
Cienu Sir, Pl hear the link and tell me if it is MSAmma or anybody else.

Dear CRama,

As you say, it could be Smt. Brinda. But I remember downloading it from Sangeethapriya, sometime back, from one of MS Amma concert folders!! will check it there and get back to you.

If it is Smt. Brinda, I am sorry for the goofup!!

Regards
Arul

Aditto · Post by **Aditto** » 14 Apr 2011, 22:32

Thanks for the link perarulalan. I was wondering the same. I thought if it was MS from early 60s or it is a group rendition !

Regards,
Aditya.

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 16 Apr 2011, 13:00

CRama wrote: Cienu Sir, Pl hear the link and tell me if it is MSAmma or anybody else.

Checked with Amma and she confirms that this is not their version.

Aditto · Post by **Aditto** » 16 Apr 2011, 17:31

Hello cienu sir,

can you please share the MS version ..

Regards,
Aditya.

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 30 Apr 2011, 15:29

A write up on MS by Peter Stenshoel.
http://www.scpr.org/blogs/offramp/2011/ ... -concert-/

vs_manjunath · Post by **vs_manjunath** » 30 Apr 2011, 17:22

Cienu-Thanks for the link.In addition to Peter's writing,the video is quite enjoyable !!!

advaitam · Post by **advaitam** » 07 May 2011, 12:47

Here are 3 more songs uploaded on Paramparaa1916. The first 2 are compositions on Satya Sai Baba composed by Ra. Ganapathi and tuned by Kadayanallur Venkataraman. Both are very beautiful and very classically tuned, showing the full genius of Kadayanallur as a tune-smith.

Janani Sai - Purvikalyani - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fYmpfgC ... ture=feedu

Leelanataka Sai - Kurinji - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-oXzS_y ... er&list=UL

Some extraordinary photos of Baba and MS accompany the songs.

The next is the immortal ode of Rabindranath Tagore - Hey Nutan. Today being the sesquicentennial (150th) birth anniversary of Tagore, this song is very apt indeed - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO0-SDv7 ... er&list=UL

advaitam · Post by **advaitam** » 09 May 2011, 14:30

Today being the 264th Jayanti of Thyagaraja Swami (Poosam) Ceinu sir has uploaded an excellent rendition of "Munnu Ravana" by M.S. Amma on Paramparaa1916. The Thodi raga alapanai is simply outstanding to say the least! The neraval and swara prasthaaras are a testimony to her vidwat! Lots of rare photos accompany the song.
Links:
Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNoHUIa7lIc
Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGagmDwW0oI

Ramasubramanian M.K · Post by **Ramasubramanian M.K** » 12 May 2011, 08:51

Cienu: Best Thodi I have heard from Patti--nobody in the CM scene has imbibed the greats of TNRajarathnam and Semmangudi as much as MS Amma. Some of the pics in the main large verandah in the Kalki Gardens with those green and white cane chairs evoke lots of memories. In one of the pics there is an Oonjal in the back--Rajaji used to like swinging gently in that swing when he was in his eighties.

Cienu if you have pics of the garden- please post them---especially the grandfather clock in the front room--each piece in that front terrace-cum-hall would sing volumes for the homeliness and the hospitality of the place. Mama's(TS) taste in simple but elegant decor was impeccable.
The terrace overlooking the Big Garden (impeccably manicured and tended to by Ekambaram with the gazebo at the center) was reminiscent of the famous "upparigais of the Palaces in ancient India ---Nostalgic I get carried away I thank the stars for being part of the era.

ANDHA NAALUM VANDIDADO!!!

smala · Post by **smala** » 17 May 2011, 11:56

MSS Ammal with Pandit Jasraj.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aZCWNUg ... ture=feedu

Aditto · Post by **Aditto** » 07 Jun 2011, 19:53

Hello All,

Are there any latest commercial releases of MS's concerts (Audio/Video).

IS there any surviving video recording of the UN concert of MS?

Regards,
Aditya.

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 09 Jun 2011, 07:20

Aditto: The most recent commercial release I know of was done by Charsur a few months ago.
http://www.charsur.com/charsur/index.ph ... ts_id=3754

This is a wonderful concert featuring Smt Radha Viswanathan, RK Venkatrama Sastry and Sri V Nagarajan playing the mridangam (I think before he switched over to being a primarily kanjira artiste). The recording quality is not bad for 1956...

advaitam · Post by **advaitam** » 09 Jun 2011, 10:27

I just came to know that Smt Vijaya Rajendran, the second daughter of Sri T.Sadasivam & Smt M.S.Subbulakshmi, wife of Kalki Rajendran passed away suddenly at around 11pm last night (08th June, 2011) due to cardiac arrest. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family. May her soul rest in peace.

mohan · Post by **mohan** » 09 Jun 2011, 10:48

Sorry to hear this news about Smt Vijaya. Condolences to her family and also to Smt Radha, cienu and family.

thanjavooran · Post by **thanjavooran** » 09 Jun 2011, 12:10

My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

Thanjavooran 09 06 2011

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 09 Jun 2011, 17:19

Sincere condolences.

Lakshman · Post by **Lakshman** » 09 Jun 2011, 18:59

Saddened to hear about the passing of smt.Vijaya. May her soul rest in peace. My condolences to the family.

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 10 Jun 2011, 05:20

May her soul rest in peace. My sincere condolences to the family, in particular, Cienu and his mother. May God grant them the forbearance to deal with this.

PUNARVASU · Post by **PUNARVASU** » 10 Jun 2011, 06:39

Sorry to hear about this.May her soul rest in peace.

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 10 Jun 2011, 16:28

Condolences!

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 10 Jun 2011, 19:19

Thank you all for your condolences on the sudden demise of my aunt. Please find below a picture in her memory.

Ramasubramanian M.K · Post by **Ramasubramanian M.K** » 10 Jun 2011, 20:12

Cienu: My heartfelt condolences to your Mom,Thambi and other members of the family.Vijaya like your Mom was the apple of my mother's eye--she was slightly older than myself. I spoke to my Mom who broke down. Apparently Vijaya had brought Seetha to see my mom(a monthly ritual that Vijaya has been performing over the last several years) just four day back and she seemed in good health-although she may not have told my Mom about any physical problems she may have had. She was a private person but very warm towards people close to her. After her marriage she had stopped singing completely taking care of her old mother-in-law and the family--whenever she visited Patti @ Kotturpuram,Patti used to beseech her to come and join herself and your Mom for the rehearsals with Kadayanallur Venkataraman. Vijaya with an enigmatic smile would politely explain her family obligations but was very devoted to Patti.

I recall the days @ Kalki gardens whenever we visited Chennai from Bombay during the summers,
we (your Mom,Vijaya and myself) used to read the classics together(illustrated classics-English--Dickens' tale of two cities,Three Musketeers). Lorna Doone was a character both your Mom and Vijaya used to love reading about. Oh those good old days!!!

She like your Mom was the quintessence of poise and maturity even at an young age--handling the hordes of visitors that thronged Kalki Gardens incessantly and gently " rescuing" your Patti from the chatty sycophants without offending the visitor. To Patti's persistent complaints about not visiting more often and join the rehearsals,she would disarm her with a charming smile--no elaborate explanations about her duties/responsibilites at home--mother-in-law,husband and the three kids etc etc. To Patti's credit she would demur and let it slip!!!

Last year when I saw her she was telling me how great Sita and Lakshmi were carrying on the "torch" of the Kalki publications--one of those rare "Mom-pride" moments and how she and Thambi(Rajendran) are truly detached and enjoying their Vanaprastha. It must be awfully tough on Rajendran's part on the loss of this companionship of over 54 years.

Please convey my condolences to the family.
Ramesh Mama.

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 10 Jun 2011, 20:41

Heartfelt condolence cienu on the loss of your aunt.
The picture speaks volumes about her kind personality!
Thanks MKR for the reminiscences...

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 10 Jun 2011, 21:18

Cienu - heart felt condolence

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 11 Jun 2011, 10:16

Condolences to your family

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 12 Jun 2011, 09:23

Cienu, condolences.

vs_manjunath · Post by **vs_manjunath** » 12 Jun 2011, 09:54

Cienu-Pl accept our heart felt condolences.

S.NAGESWARAN · Post by **S.NAGESWARAN** » 12 Jun 2011, 21:36

Dear Cienu, kindly accept my heart felt condolences.

S.NAGESWARAN.
12.06.2011.

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 13 Jun 2011, 00:27

Cienu, I only just saw this. I am very sorry for your loss.