Carnatic Music - Programmes on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 22 Aug 2012, 19:53

Before the 18th century, Carnatic Music flourished in the royal courts and quiet villages of southern India. It was in the 19th century that Madras became the seat of Carnatic music. Much of this movement was caused by the establishment of Colonial rule, and the exodus that followed from the villages to the city. On the occasion of Madras Week, which highlights the city's founding day of 22 August 1639, this feature takes a look at how Madras became established as the hub of Carnatic music, leading to the Chennai of today. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 24 Aug 2012, 18:25

The raga Kharaharapriya can be traced to the 18th and 19th centuries, and is listed in the Sangraha Chudamani as a full fledged heptatonic scale.The heptatonic scale of Kharaharapriya has some unique properties that lend a special character to the raga. Colours of a Raga takes a look at all this, with compositions of different types and from different composers. Listen to the first episode of two on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 24 Aug 2012, 18:25

Sikkil Mala Chandrashekar comes from a family of musicians. She is the daughter of Sikkil Neela, of the flautist duo, the Sikkil Sisters, Kunjumani and Neela. The Sikkil style of playing is known to be as close to vocal music as possible, and the flautists take great care to render kritis such that one gets a sense of the sahitya. Mala Chandrasekhar also follows this style. Listen to a highlight on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 24 Aug 2012, 18:26

The outstanding contribution of the trinity – composers Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Shastri – forms the bedrock of Carnatic music. A certain grandeur, even if it is subtle, is something that a listener automatically feels on listening to their compositions. Listen to a selection of compositions - Shambho Mahadeva, Divaakara Tanujam, Ragaratna Maalikache & Himaadri Sutey Paahimaam performed by Jayalakshmi Shekar , S Sowmya , GNB and Sumitra Vasudev on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 24 Aug 2012, 18:26

This programme includes two Ragam Tanam Pallavis instead of the usual one. They are in the ragas Bhairavi and Sahana, and are presented by Ramnad Krishnan. The Bhairavi pallavi, "Maamadurai Meenakshi Amba Devi", is set to Chatusra Jati Jhampa tala, and the Sahana pallavi. the popular "Dala Vidalita Kuvalaya Dala Neela", is set to Adi tala. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 25 Aug 2012, 18:31

A concert in two parts by Mysore Nagamani Srinath. Compositions by Jayachamaraja Wodeyar, Patnam Subramania Iyer, Gopala Dasa, Mysore Nagamani Srinath etc. in ragas Hindolam, Durbar, Todi, Manirangu and more. Her strong voice, ability to produce appropriate gamakas and brigas, and her manodharma give her music a vivid character. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 26 Aug 2012, 18:30

Nithyasree Mahadevan is one of the most popular younger musicians. Her music reflects the strengths of her musical lineage. Her paternal grandmother is D K Pattammal, and her maternal grandfather is Palghat Mani Iyer Nithyasree's strong voice has stood her in good stead not only in classical music but in film music too, where she has had quite a few hits. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 26 Aug 2012, 18:59

Sangitha Kalanidhis C Saroja and C Lalitha, better known as the Bombay Sisters, have been perfoming as a duo since 1963. The Bombay Sisters, apart from being one of the most popular duos in Carnatic music, also hold the distinction of having recorded the maximum number of albums for several recording companies on various themes, in Telegu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada. This programme is in connection with C Lalitha's birthday, which falls on August 26. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 26 Aug 2012, 19:00

Sangitha Kalanidhis C Saroja and C Lalitha, better known as the Bombay Sisters, have been perfoming as a duo since 1963. The Bombay Sisters, apart from being one of the most popular duos in Carnatic music, also hold the distinction of having recorded the maximum number of albums for several recording companies on various themes, in Telegu, Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada. This programme is in connection with C Lalitha's birthday, which falls on August 26. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 27 Aug 2012, 18:14

Mysore Nagaraj is the son and disciple of renowned violinist Prof Mahadevappa. He has carved a niche for himself as an accompanist, and is also renowned for the violin duet concerts he performs with his brother, the violinist Manjunath.
A programme featuring the music of the violin duo, and interview excerpts, in connection with Nagaraj's birthday. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 27 Aug 2012, 18:47

M S Anantharaman comes from one of the famous violin families in Carnatic music. His brother is the violinist M S Gopalakrishnan. His elder sister Parur Sitalakshmi was also a violinist. In a distinguished career of more than seven decades, M S Anantharaman has been accompanist and violin soloist in Carnatic music, and also been on the Hindustani music stage as accompanist. Today, his impeccable technique is still on evidence even as he remains one of the seniormost violinists and musicians on stage. Listen to a highlight on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 28 Aug 2012, 19:53

The Trinity have composed kritis in several rare ragas. E.g. Syama Sastri was the only one to use ragas like Chintamani, and Muthuswami Dikshitar was the only one who composed in Jaganmohanam. This feature presents some such compositions of the trinity with renditions by R Vedavalli, SRJ , GNB and S Sowmya. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 28 Aug 2012, 20:04

The neraval is a true test of raga shuddhi and also sahitya bhava, and most importantly, whether the artiste can manage the two in an interesting and engaging manner bound strictly by laya or within the confines of the tala. That is Neraval for you. Here are some popular songs with popular neraval lines that engage the listener and have been executed very well by some experienced artistes. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 29 Aug 2012, 18:42

On the One Raga One Kriti programme S Saketharaman sings Tyagaraja's classic composition, O Rangasayi in Raga Kamboji
Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 29 Aug 2012, 18:42

Muthuswami Dikshitar has composed kritis on various deities based on the many temples he visited. These compositions, apart from being rich in musical ideas, give detailed and vivid descriptions of the shrine, the deity and the stories behind the installation. This feature presents some of his compositions on Lord Vishnu, at various temples like Badrinath, Srirangam and Terezhundur with renditions by SKR , Neela Ramgopal and others on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 30 Aug 2012, 18:13

The raga Kharaharapriya can be traced to the 18th and 19th centuries, and is listed in the Sangraha Chudamani as a full fledged heptatonic scale.The heptatonic scale of Kharaharapriya has some unique properties that lend a special character to the raga. Colours of a Raga takes a look at all this, with compositions of different types and from different composers. Listen to the second episode on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 30 Aug 2012, 18:16

Rao Sahib Abraham Pandithar compiled the enormous work 'Karunamrita Sagaram', a treatise on music. He was the moving force behind the pioneering series of music conferences held in Thanjavur in the early part of the century , which laid the foundation for the music conferences that were to follow, including that of the Madras Music Academy. Includes commentary by Sriram V. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 31 Aug 2012, 18:51

The Bombay Sisters, C Saroja and C Lalitha, sing a Ragam Tanam Pallavi in Raga Purvikalyani. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 31 Aug 2012, 18:55

Chembai, as he was popularly called, had a voice with a 'Bell Metal' quality, and his child-like manner endeared him to audiences. Chembai could also play the violin and flute capably, and he has played both instruments on stage. Chembai was one of the stars of the recording era, and was one of the first Carnatic musicians to have a "concert set" released commercially. On the occasion of Chembai's birth anniversary, this programme plays some of his vintage recordings, where the clarity of his singing, and his complete control singing at great speed, are evident. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 01 Sep 2012, 19:31

A concert in two parts by Savita Narasimhan. A student of O V Subramaniam and Rama Ravi before she started training with Chitraveena N Ravikiran, her music is built on classical aesthetics. Her strengths are a strong yet flexible voice, and an ability to deal with the nuances and technical aspects of Carnatic music effortlessly. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 03 Sep 2012, 11:56

Carnatic music has always had a charm when people sing in groups, like at the Tyagaraja Aradhana at Thiruvaiyaru. Duos have for long had a special appeal, right from the time of the Alathur Brothers. This programme presents renditions by a few duos, including the Bombay Sisters and the Rudrapatnam Brothers.

askn · Post by **askn** » 03 Sep 2012, 11:56

Kalpana Swaras is a component of Manodharma Sangeetham, which is the creative and improvisational aspect of Carnatic music. This programme features a selection of kritis with Kalpana Swaras by Semmangudi, T R Subramanyam, Mambalam Sisters & K Bharat Sundar. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 03 Sep 2012, 19:07

All composers can safely be said to be musicians, too; but the reverse is certainly not true! However, quite a few musicians, though not known as composers, have turned vaggeyakaras on occasion. This programme considers a few personalities who are known primarily as musicians but have a body of work as composers. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 04 Sep 2012, 19:29

Alapana is the most abstract of improvisational forms in Carnatic music, with no words or underlying rhythm. It is totally free-form, and hence is able to reflect the gamakas and bring out the raga’s character in the best possible manner. Alapana is an occasional theme where all the songs have a full-fledged alapana preceding them. This edition has alapanas in ragas Sahana, Pantuvarali and Bilahari. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 04 Sep 2012, 19:33

With almost four decades of performance behind him, Chitravina N Ravikiran has built a unique place in the firmament of Carnatic music with his multi-faceted persona, which includes those of musician, researcher, innovator, collaborator and teacher. This programme features N Ravikiran as a chitravina artiste and vocalist, and also has him performing a few of his own compositions on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 05 Sep 2012, 18:24

A Vasuda Kesav presents Purandara Dasa's composition, Nambikkettavar Illavo in Raga Kalyani and Mishra Chapu tala on the One Raga One Kriti programme on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 05 Sep 2012, 18:26

A highlight of the music of T N Seshagopalan on the occasion of his birthday.
Apart from his primary presence as a vocal musician, he is also an accomplished player of the veena and keyboard. He also has an avatar as a Harikatha performer, where he gets to demonstrate his wit and also the breadth of his knowledge and reading. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 06 Sep 2012, 18:24

Neyveli R Santhanagopalan is a versatile musician to whom music is a way of life. His art is steeped in tradition and yet highly creative and innovative. His music resonates with “bhakti’ and “bhava” and yet is catchy and has popular appeal. On the occasion of his birthday (Sep 6) , a feature including excerpts from an interview with him. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 06 Sep 2012, 18:25

Ragas that contain unnatural forms of notes are clubbed under the term 'vivaadi'. 40 out of the 72 melakarta scales have these unnatural values of at least one note, making these 'vivaadi'. This programme looks at a few ragas that are vivaadi scales or contain vivaadi notes, including a couple of ragas that are popular and widely sung.

askn · Post by **askn** » 07 Sep 2012, 18:32

A tribute to the musician and composer, Hari Nagabhushanam on the occasion of his death anniversary. He has also composed several songs, among which Madhavapriye in Raga Madhavamanohari is quite popular. This programme presents a selection of Hari Nagabhushanam's compositions , on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 07 Sep 2012, 18:33

Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer sings a Ragam Tanam Pallavi in Raga Todi. Semmangudi's RTPs have a special passion about them, and he seems to be giving full rein to his abilities, often testing the limits of his prowess. The pallavi is set to a simple Tisra Jati Triputa tala, and the pallavi line is from Sadashiva Brahmendra's composition: "Brahmaivaaham Kila Sadguru Kripaya". Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 08 Sep 2012, 19:11

Neyveli R Santhanagopalan is a respected senior musician known for his instinctive understanding and expression of musical aesthetics. A musician fashioned in the classical mould, he is capable of easily blending fresh phrases full of character into his vision of a raga. The concert of Santhanagopalan's featured on this edition of Kutcheri is from the year 2002, and the highlights of the programme are ragas Keeravani and Todi. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 09 Sep 2012, 18:51

This programme features songs that have acquired familiarity and popularity over time. These songs are also invariably favourite pieces in concerts and strike a special chord in the minds of listeners. The programme also includes information and trivia about the songs played on it. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 09 Sep 2012, 18:51

A feature on the pre-trinity composer Ootthukkadu Venkata Kavi. He composed around 400 songs in various formats. His mastery of Sanskrit and Tamil is evident in his works. He also composed several operas on various themes, using simple but immensely evocative Tamil using a range of ragas some of which are seldom used today like Lalitagandharvam and Deeparam
This feature includes inputs from Chitraveena N Ravikiran
This is the first of a three part series. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 09 Sep 2012, 18:52

Radioweb featured in Ms Shubha Mudgal column Music Matters in Mint Lounge
http://www.livemint.com/articles/2012/0 ... ga-ga.html
Please do read her other articles & blog as well. She writes extensively on various aspects of music

askn · Post by **askn** » 10 Sep 2012, 19:06

One hour of instrumental music, including a couple of rare renditions e.g. Madurai Shanmukhavadivu & Nadamuni Band.
Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 10 Sep 2012, 19:14

K N Shashikiran is a vital link between the traditional and the new in Carnatic Music. His music gives one a sense of sampradaya, but the delivery is in tune with the day’s changing forms of consumption of Carnatic music. Presenting an artiste highlight on this talented and innovative musician in connection with his birthday on September 10. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 11 Sep 2012, 19:11

An feature on the mridangam master and innovator Karaikudi R Man on the occasion of his birthday (Sep 11)
Karaikudi R Mani started performing at the age of eight and today, in his late 60s, he is seen as an artiste with a rare understanding and mastery over the art of mridangam playing. This programme presents music where Karaikudi Mani has accompanied on the mridangam, and also information about him and his insightful views through interview excerpts. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 12 Sep 2012, 18:38

Sukanya Ramgopal is one of the first women to make it to the top tier as a percussionist, that too as a ghatam artiste, in Carnatic music. One of her innovations has been the Stree Taal Tarang, an instrumental ensemble where the ghatam takes pride of place as an instrument of both rhythm and notes. This artiste highlight features recordings of Stree Taal Tarang. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 12 Sep 2012, 18:38

A feature on the life and compositions of a visionary far ahead of his times. Most of Subramania Bharathi’ s literary and musical output was a result of his commitment to India's independence and to social upliftment and change. Featuring a few of these ever-popular songs and compositions of Subramania Bharathi in connection with his death anniversary on September 11. listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 13 Sep 2012, 18:12

Tyagaraja's compositions are known not just for their structure but also the ease with which they can be understood. They are also favourites due to the divinity and spirituality associated with the songs. When Tyagaraja sang in a lesser known raga, the raga gained fame and familiarity with musicians and listeners alike. This programme has a few well-known compositions of Tyagaraja where the themes range from Bhakti and Nadopasana to the various paths of reaching the Divine. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 13 Sep 2012, 18:16

Ramnad Krishnan's music was marked by an ease of rendition that often belied the effort that went into making the vidwan, and made musical nuances seem like an easy thing to accomplish. Krishnan was a student of Ramnad Sankara Sivam, and that’s when he became Ramnad Krishnan. This programme presents an hour of Ramnad Krishnan's music in connection with his birth anniversary on September 14. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 14 Sep 2012, 18:40

Alapana is an occasional theme where all the songs have a full-fledged alapana preceding them. This edition has alapanas in ragas Pantuvarali, Mukhari, Nagaswaravali and Dhanyasi.. all the songs have a full-fledged alapana preceding them. This edition has alapanas in ragas Pantuvarali, Mukhari, Nagaswaravali and Dhanyasi. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 14 Sep 2012, 18:41

Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer was known for his creative renditions of ragas, as well as his astute sense of humour. He was a great devotee of Tyagaraja, and was one of the few musicians of his time who had mastered all the five ghana pancharatna kritis. A tribute to the Sangeetha Bhupathi in connection with his birth anniversary on Sep 15. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 16 Sep 2012, 19:01

Tanjavur S Kalyanaraman was one of the senior students of G N Balasubramaniam, and so was steeped in the GNB bani. However, though his style is modelled on that of his guru, Kalyanaraman's highly individual qualities make him his own musician. Apart from having the ability to bring out the essence of the established ragas, he also had it in him to visualize the scope and character of new scales. A concert in two parts by one of the most original and creative musicians on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 16 Sep 2012, 19:08

A tribute to M S Subbulakshmi, the doyenne who, to many, remains the voice of Carnatic Music. M S Subbulakshmi’ s music appealed to connoisseurs, and her voice and emotional renditions touched the hearts of lay listeners. She had fans across the country, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had this to say of her: "Who am I, a mere prime minister before a Queen, a Queen of Music.". Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 17 Sep 2012, 19:04

Songs such as Mysore Vasudevacharya's Brochevaarevarura and Gopalakrishna Bharati's Eppo Varuvaaro have over time become extremely popular songs. And it is not just the smaller songs that have gained this immediate recognition. Even a varnam like Viriboni in Raga Bhairavi, which is as complex and elaborate as any kriti, is both easily identified and popularly enjoyed. This programme features a few such songs that become “all-time favourites”. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 17 Sep 2012, 19:04

Lalgudi Jayaraman has over the last six decades and some, defined an important aspect of Carnatic violin with the speaking voice of the 'Lalgudi bani'. He is also a noted composer of varnams and tillanas, many of them in new and unusual ragas. This programme, in connection with his birthday on September 17, takes you through the life and achievements of this legend of our times, with interview excerpts which provide exclusive insights into Lalgudi as a person, father and teacher. Lalgudi Jayaraman himself shares a few of his thoughts. Listen on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 18 Sep 2012, 18:50

Muthuswami Dikshitar, one of the composer trinity, has composed possibly the maximum number of compositions on Ganesha. Dikshitar's kritis on Ganesha are an amalgamation of his splendid hold over Sanskrit, his interest in the worship of Ganesha as part of his Srividya Upasana, his visit to various kshetras and their beautiful descriptions, and some wonderful anecdotes hidden in just a few phrases. Listen to a selection on www.radioweb.in

askn · Post by **askn** » 18 Sep 2012, 18:53

Primarily recognized as a violinist, Lalgudi’ s compositions occupy a niche in the Carnatic oeuvre. His thillanas and varnams are famous for a unique blend of melody and rhythm and the Lalgudi stamp is evident in his compositions though he has not used any specific mudra or signature. Having great appeal even to an untrained ear, they are very interesting compositions to study too. The program has interview excerpts with the composer himself and special inputs from his daughter and disciple Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi. This program is in connection with his birthday. He turned 82 yesterday, the 17th of September,2012. Listen on www.radioweb.in