Importance of Lyrics

[TARANANANDA]

One thing I have found very interesting in the history of CM is the level of importance, different singers give to the meaning of lyrics. If we look at great singers like Madurai Mani Iyer, Tiger Varadachari and the like, we can see they don't even pronounce the words properly, still making the song very sweet. Mani Iyer was a Laya maestro. But from Balamurali on wards I find the importance of the meaning of lyrics stressed with explicit pronunciation. But then many lyrics wen set to certain talas, the meaning get broken. Any thoughts on this?
One example is "Padmanabha Pahi" by Swati Tirunal

[asangeetha]

The ultimate goal of a performer should be able to communicate, and the level to which the communication is done determines the 'success' to a large extent. 'By 'success' I mean the extent to which the music reaches or appeals to the listener. It is possible to communicate with just melody and rhythm and many great masters in the past may have done that but understanding the lyrics and enunciating clearly can only make it better. After all, the compositions themselves were outpourings from the heart, and what justice would it do to ignore the lyrics? Every student must be taught to first say the lyrics clearly , understand them to some extent, and then start learning the melody and tala. Studying the lyrical structure also helps a singer to know where to take breaths effectively, where to emphasize and dramatize and provides a road map in the mind on how to sing and communicate effectively.
Of course, in taana varnams there are long 'kaaravais' and words are elongated , but even then its a great practice for any student to maintain the fidelity and carry on without breaking the words. Then again, lines with cramped lyrics are also a great challenge like tongue twisters but when practiced well, can give great beauty and import to the meaning.
Some compositions easily fall prey to the performer's lack of interest or knowledge in understanding the lyrics such as the the Pancharatna krthis , especially parts of the charnam in the 'Jagadaanandakaaraka' masterpiece. One could only imagine that the composer would be turning in his grave if there ever was one , in such instances.

[cmlover]

BMK is a Telugu..
he will not dare to mutilate his own language.
I am sure Thyagaraja never did!
If the (mostly) TN vidwans do the same mutilations to Tamil lyrics they would become the laughing stock
killing sahityam just in the interest of musical grammar should be a punishable offence...

[TARANANANDA]

HA HA. That was nice

[venkatakailasam]

With out knowing and understanding the meaning of lyrics in languages other than ones own mother tongue
it will be difficult to appreciate while listening to the music...But still we are able to appreciate a concert....
it is due to the raga Bhava and Bakthi Bhava inculcated in to the composition...Are we not enjoying an Ashtapathi with out understanding its meaning..
In my opinion lyrics is not plying an important part..

As an extension, in pallavi singing also..lyrics have a very insignificant part to play...

In this context read..

An interesting article 'Unusual Pallavi Themes'

by V.N. Muthukumar and M.V. Ramana....brings out that it is of lesser importance only..

http://www.parrikar.org/carnatic/unusua ... vi-themes/

[cmlover]

Thanks for the interesting ref vkailasam..
The anecdotes are part of CM History