DVD release on Shri. S Rajam@ tatvaloka hall on 11/11/12

[Sundarnrao]

It was a remarkable function today. All the chief guests ( actor Sivakumar; writer crazy mohan; cleveland sundaram) made a fond recall of their association with Late shri. Rajam Iyer and highlighted his artistic mastery that they experienced. Right after the speech and DVD release ceremony, a special screening was organized and it was a sheer delight to watch. Lot of rare informations about Late shri S.Rajam's music and paintings were beautifully potrayed with a sharp editing and nice sequencing. Lots of special and rare songs rendered by Shri. S. Rajam were played on the background too. Notably, Nattai, bageshree and shankarabharanam sounded extremely regal. Hats off to Mr. Lalith Ram and Mr. SB Khanthan for their tireless efforts in making this DVD and today's event a grand success. Hats off to the disciples of late shri S Rajam iyer and artist Manian selvan for their immense contributions to the making process.

[Gamakam]

Dear Shri. Sundarnrao,

Thanks for the crisp and kind report:-)

The DVD can be ordered here: http://www.kalakendra.com/shopping/rajam-p-3174.html

[Nick H]

Congratulations, Gamakam.

Apologies for having failed to make it due to minor health issues over the weekend.

[Gamakam]

Nick, thank you. I did look out for you on Sunday. I hope we can run into each other during the season.

[vijisubra]

Maniam Selvan's painting of Rajam Sir greeted one at the door. It is on the DVD cover.

The DVD release function saw a full house at Tatvaloka on the 11th..... A testimony to Rajam Sir's greatness. The labour of love was evident in the film. The careful selection of music, the paintings in the background... all created a fantastic ambience. I had a tough time not closing my eyes listening to his outstanding Bageshree--because then I would have missed some of his paintings! The explanation of similies through a quick sketch with Antarama soundarya playing behind was indeed one of the highlights of the day..... The meticulous research required for painting our heritage, the extent of his music repertoire, his work at All India Radio, his lecdems on the Melakartas, never cease to amaze one! After all he also had only 24 hours in a day
The interspersing of various speakers ( me included!) added much interest to the film. I particularly enjoyed Dr. BM Sundaram's speeches. The attention to detail was very good. It was not an easy task for Kanthan to edit over 30 hours of recording to a 2 hour film-- kudos to him! One cannot thank Lalitaram enough--- the best part of the film --for me-- was that it has Rajam Sir's views first hand. Of course, it was during his last years and in some places , it shows.
Despite being Rajam Sir's student, I can objectively say this was a wonderful function and the DVD is a great addition to documentation of Rajam SIr, in particular and Carnatic Music in general.
I did hope some from the forum would have attended the function and written about it.........
Thank you, Swathi Soft Solutions!

[satyabalu]

* Brought tears.Both myself &my wife ( I could see many others ) were very much moved by the presentation on his multifaceted personality who could integrate nature, his art of painting &CM.Tatwaloka ambience is just appropriate to feel We are inside a temple.
* Made one proud "We also lived with in His time."
* Felt sad he was not given due recognition he deserved.I have heard him tell "I have more than 130 Lec-Dems ,will any NGOs come forward to bring out the same!"
* Consolation- he had left behind a rich heritage &dedicated disciples.
*SB's wife cited an incident When someone had misrepresented &published his paintings as his own When S.Balachander was furious with that person SR did not react " Yenakku irukarathu podum"
*GNB approaching him to learn a kriti /vivadi raga.
*VS explaining his way of building short swara patterns.
*SKN R.Vedavalli narrated how he used to be suggestive when one does not follow the sangathi as intended . -you can not aviod shedding tears while you sing the way he tuned "sarvam brahmamayam".
*He never allowed the intent of the vaggeyakara to be compromised.(I may recall after Kalanidhi concert of a consistent performer he confronted &questioned him as to why he has not sung the chiitaiswaram as composed by the Vaggeyakara for which the SKN replied my guru never used to sing that is why ..... He insisted he should sing ......
* Are there any followers for his water colors ?
* Wish one could elaborate suddhaseemandini with ragam neraval swaram(one hour is the record of SR)-I think this will be the true homage besides learning /getting to know Vivadi /kotiswara iyer kritis.
* Reminds me of what Dr VKV told (in one of the felicitations to Him I could organise ) quoting Swami Vivekananda "If we forget the past there is no future"

[Gamakam]

A report in Dinamani: http://dinamani.com/weekly_supplements/ ... 353274.ece

[satyabalu]

* Can RNS of Suddhaseemandini be uploaded for the benefit of all?

[Gamakam]

Satyabalu: I couldn't locate the SuddaSeemnathini he refers to in the DVD (Washington Concert). However, I have some other recording of S.Rajam in which he has sung the piece. If you are interested I can upload. It may not be exhaustive.

[Gamakam]

Here you go: http://soundcloud.com/lalitharam-ramach ... aki-ramana

[satyabalu]

*Great!Thanks Gamakam!

[Gamakam]

Any time.