The physical limits of musical achievement

[srkris]

I watched a video on youtube recently, of the "Sarasijanābha" Kāmbhoji Aṭa tāla varna being played in 5 speeds. It reminded me of Śadkāla Govinda Mārār.

The theoretical 6th speed has not been attempted in this video, but it was overall an impressive performance. Does anyone have other recordings that seem to push the physical limits of musical achievement as this performance seems to do?

[sruthi]

Young vocalist Sampagodu Vighnaraja sings Natakurinji varnam in 6 speeds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gHQXi02UPY

[arvindt]

I would mention the Carnatica Brothers' 24 hour non-stop concert in this category too... no mean feat.

[vasanthakokilam]

The Vighnaraja one sounds very good. Not too much strain and done comfortably. Two sppeds each in chathurasra, khanda and trisra. Is the order then 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10?

[srkris]

I thought ordinarily the speed has to double progressively. That does not seem to be the case here.

[vasanthakokilam]

Right, in common usage, the doubling is with respect to "speed". But naDai ( the 3 and 5 above ) is also a speed change. They all refer to change in number of swaras one packs into a thala beat which give us the illusion of speed.

[Nick H]

the doubling is with respect to "speed". But naDai ( the 3 and 5 above ) is also a speed change

and "trikalam" seems to be a compromise of the two! I suppose other "nadais" could be included in the compromise?

Whilst this thread talks of the physical limits of virtuoso playing (which, in itself, doesn't do much for me) the mental aspects of simple doubling is not difficult: even the non-musicians among us can probably manage to double or half, and it is not difficult to take it in when we see or hear it. The much more subtle changes of the "compromise" method, 2,3,4,5,6,7 is enormously more difficult, both to do and to appreciate.

[kssr]

While singing RTP is something like this not normally attempted? Some do it without fail with the pallavi segment and some, I have heard singing at different speeds (or nadais) the thanam itself. Experts can clarify. Sometimes more of these games with speed are not too enjoyable - becomes a sort of circus. But probably that is true with everything when you push it to the limit.

[Nick H]

While singing RTP is something like this not normally attempted?

I'd say that it is normal procedure.

[balakk]

This thread can't escape mentioning the inimitable L Subramaniam right ?

http://www.musicindiaonline.com/#/album ... esistible/

Hear Jalajaksha in 12 speeds . Don't know if it's technically double speed or not, but each time sounded faster. Not recommended for heart patients.

[Nick H]

in 12 speeds

Is that music? Or gymnastics? I find it resistible.

[kssr]

Young vocalist Sampagodu Vighnaraja sings Natakurinji varnam in 6 speeds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gHQXi02UPY

I heard this. Good voice. Curiosity led me to listen to some more of his clippings on youtube. A rare naturally briga laden voice. I think he belongs to Bangalore. Is he here or in Malaysia?