SOME OF THE COMMEMORATIVE HAPPENINGS REGARDING M.S.G.

[cacm]

DEAR RASIKAS,
In conjunction with Sri. Cleveland V.V.Sundaram,Dr. M.Narmadha and fans of Sri. MSG (M.S.GOPALAKRISHNAN)
I wish to report about a few CONCRETE STEPS TO EXPRESS our admiration, regards and respects for the memory of Sri. MSG (There will be MORE to come soon) as well as planned efforts to perpetuate the legacy of Sri.MSG and the Parur Tradition.
1) Dr.M. Narmadha will present a Violin Solo Concert on JAN 12th January in memory and as anjali to her father and guru at the Chromepet Cultural Academy- Deails will be available from HINDU "AD" as well as contacting the organisation or reaching Dr M.Narmadha at: [email protected] Tel: 9840077025.
2)ON JAN19TH JanuaryStarting at 6 P.M. at Ragha sudha Hall (Mylapore behind Nageswara Rao Park) there will be a celeberatory meeting of the Contemporaries, Colleagues and fans of MSG. Sri Cleveland Sundaram will preside and conduct the meeting. I suspect that due to time constraints only the key persons (VVS will choose them) will be allowed to speak. Again Hindu "AD"+ Dr.M.N. are the places to find out more details.
3) Very soon Dr.M.Narmadha will RESUME her second of the four presentations on the PARUR TRADITION. As some of you might recall this was inagurated by Dr.V.K.Viswanathan (Cleveland Sri.V.V.Sundaram presided). Details will follow soon. OUR GREAT GOOD FORTUNE was Sri.M.S.G. himself attended the first event & blessed this effort.
I request all of the fans and well wishers of MSG to attend and grace tthese occasions. We have several other ideas we will be implementing soon. Your ideas and suggestions are also invited and welcomed. Please get in touch with Dr. V.K.Viswanathan (VKV) at : [email protected] Tel (USA NO.) 505-6612618.....THANKS, VKV Lets make sure MSG'S contributions are for preserved posterity

[Rsachi]

Dr.VKV,
As usual, you have taken some pioneering steps along with Sri VVS. My respectful congratulations.
In this and other aspects, I have been nursing a wish. How about creating a 'Definitive Archive' for each great musician of our times, starting with Ariyakudi, Madurai Mani Iyer, Semmangudi, MSS, MLV, DKP, MSG etc.? I am simply reeling off some names. You people can decide.
My idea is to enlist the help of the close disciples and associates of the famous musician and compile a maximum of 36 tracks, or 6 hours, whichever is less, from all available sources and make a DVD, in a formal structure, on the lines of your earlier MMI effort. This will be a cefinitive compilation capturing the best examples of the great's contribution to Carnatic Music.
Some ideas:
1. Organised DVD structure which allows play on a computer AND music player, and any presentations on a computer and DVD/TV system.
2. search and tag structure.
3. contents and Index.
4. Selected notes from knowledgeable critics and archivists as an accompanying booklet.
5. Full information on each track/sample, like accompanists, venue, date and context of recording with of course clear tags for each title.
6. The DVD and archive should not exceed 36 tracks or 6 hours of playing time in my opinion.
7. We may consider producing it as a purchasable medium or even create an online digital archive with a one-time access payment or whatever. Or both. I believe nothing should be free, of course a broadcaster may purchase rights and transmit freely one time.
Luckily I think we have enough knowledgeable and senior people like you who can lead the effort.and if rasikas.org wants to organise and drive this, VERY GOOD!
I would suggest we enlist the best technologies for cleaning up, tagging and producing the tracks.

Please treat these ideas as those of a novice, you know best in these matters.

With respects
Sachi R

Imagine if we can create such a definitive archive for each great Carnatic musician. It will become the standard for study for everyone. It will be like the historic archives of European languages and Deutsche Grammophone initiatives to document Beethoven.

[Rsachi]

Did I hear the word Copyright? Of course we will respect and adhere to the Copyright act, that's why it won't be a free-for-all.

[Rsachi]

Just a reference : Yehudi Menuhin in Memorium
http://bit.ly/WGqkKJ

[cacm]

Dear Rsachi,
YOUR IDEA & SUGGESTION IS EXCELLENT. I have tried to do something on the lines you are suggesting & ran into monumental problems!.....Pl write me a note to:[email protected] & I will describe especially the problems I encountered in detail. However I find you more imaginative & energetic as well as much younger than me! I do not wish to discuss these ideas in this forum. Regs, VKV

[Rsachi]

Will do sir. But would expect responses from other kindred souls here also.

[PUNARVASU]

A great idea.

[varsha]

Best way forward.
Get in touch with eesha
Open a section to commemorate MSG . And other artists , if needed .
And move forward .
Sangeethapriya - An idea that will prove more and more invaluable with passage of time.
Such a beautiful solution .
Nothing else will work.

[Rsachi]

Agree, Varsha,
Sangeethapriya is GREAT.
I have some suggestions about tagging, organising, display, selling, download etc. And we I'll also need with track quality and copyright where/as applicable.
Imagine if we could have Sangeethapriya as organised as the Deutsche site I linked to..
Now what do we need to do to make THAT happen?
(Of course not everything has to be commercial...the free share model will apply to many things)

[eesha]

We have tributes pages for great musicians like KVN, DKP etc under sangeethapriya. Similarly we can setup tributes pages for MSG also

Please let me know how it should be organised and we can make it happen

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Many GLOBAL ardent fans of Sri MSG, [LIKE Sri AM Sharmaji] may not be able to participate in person in the function.

We may perhaps ask these Rasikas to express themselves in this thread.

Sri Cleaveland Sundaram who will be conducting this function may select a few messages and read in the function.

S.NAGESWARAN.
09.01.2013.

[msakella]

As our brother-member, S.NAGESWARAN, wrote, as I cannot arrange for my safe travel to and from Chennai in this short time and attend the function I can only express my heartfelt grief in this connection.

As you all know, there is no substitute to fill in the gap occurred due to the very sad demise of the greatest Violinist, Shri MSG of this century to the field of the world-music. Most unfortunately, proper care has never been taken by any of the organizations or individuals to take videos of various kinds of the great-violin-playing-techniques of the Giant-violinists of our country even for the educational purpose of the aspirants. This is a very sad affair of our country since many centuries due to the selfish, egoistic, egocentric and conservative attitudes of the individuals.

In this connection I sincerely feel that the propagation of the rare violin-playing-techniques of the Great-giant-violinist, Shri MSG of this century is the only fitting tribute. Many may not believe that, even though I did not learn any music directly from him he himself had blessed me with his photograph and I could successfully get some of his rare violin-playing-techniques through this photo only. Among many rare violin-playing-techniques of Parur School playing on a single string is the most difficult one and I could successfully follow a little playing even a few Varnas on a single string. Once, on 09-04-1974, he himself was very kind enough to allow me to sit beside him and play Violin in a concert at Hyderabad (SICA) and I was able to follow along with him in playing Todi-ata-tala-varna mostly on A 2nd string and without touching the E 1st string at all at the speed of 8 notes per second only after a rigorous and regular practice of it for two months. His take-off speed itself is 8 notes per second playing any Varna on a single string unlike any other Violinist on earth. This legacy I have been able to continue by teaching this to all of my students (visit ‘yourube.com/user/msakella’). I hope the students and the followers of his violin-playing-techniques strive hard for the sincere propagation of the same in the interest of our own kids. amsharma

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Sharmaji,

Thank you for your sincere message about Sri MSG and the need to propagate his violin techniques
by many young violinists.

I am sending the copy of your message to Sri Cleveland Sundaram and requested him to read this message in the meeting to be conducted on 19.01.2013 at Ragasuda Hall.


S.NAGESWARAN.
11.01.2013.

[rsbiju]

Dear all,

Dr. M Narmadha will give a special concert on a special day at Chrompet Cultural Academy, Chennai, at 0700 PM on January 12th as a tribute to
Parur Shri MS Gopalakrishnan, her father, guru and pathfinder who passed away last week.

The concert will highlight the Parur MSG Bani with the classic Indian touches of the Parur MSG style.




A Condolence meeting will be held by Sancara Trust (98400 77025) and will be led by Cleveland Shri. VV SUNDARAM avargal at 0600 PM on 19th January at Ragasudha Hall in Mylapore, Chennai, where leading musicians will pay homage to the departed exponent.

All are welcome

For further details please contact:
[email protected]
[email protected]

[gardabha_gana]

Can the two events be webcast? I know that it is possible to webcast events such as arangetrams etc in India. Also if the event is recorded and the recording made available it will be great!

[rsbiju]

Padmabhushan Sri. MS Gopalakrishnan Tribute concert at Chrompet Cultural Academy, 12th January 2013

Dr. M Narmadha - Violin
Shri. Thillaisthanam Suryanarayanan - Mridangam
Shri. Nanganallur Swaminathan–Ghatom
Shri. Karthikeyan -Ganjira

chalamEla (varnam) – darbAr- Adi-tiruvattiyoor thyAgayya
vAthApi ganapathim – hamsadhwani – adi – dIkshitar
ardha nArIswaram-kumudakriya – rUpakam-dIkshitar
nenarunchinAnu-mAlavi- Adi-thyAgarAja
manavyAlakincharA-nalinakAnti-adi-thyAgarAja
marivErE-Anandabharavi-misra chApu-shyAma sAsthri
bhavanutha-mOhanam-Adi- thyAgarAja
pArukkulle nalla nAdu- jOnpuri-Adi-bhArathiyAr
manave manthrAlaya – sudhdha sArang – Adi
chinnanchiru kiliye – rAgamAlika-rUpakam-bhArathiyAr
rAmachandra prabhO – sindhu bhairavi-Adi-swAthi thirunAl
TarAna-sindhu bhairavi-Adi

Dr.M Narmadha, paid her tributes to Padmabhushan Sri. MS Gopalakrishnan - her father ,mentor and guru through this special concert at Chrompet Cutural Academy. The tribute concert was a special one, with a chosen set of ragas and krithis, all of them MSG’s favorites, and his master works. Every moment flashed memories of innumerable concerts and recordings of MSG to the minds of audience, and perhaps in artists’ too…. A beautiful lively portrait of young MSG on the stage (and an energetic & smiling photo of MSG with that of his daughter Dr. M Narmadha, scion of the Parur tradition, in the announcement of the event in The Hindu , which carried an impressive tribute note from her) , reminded many of his concerts, accompanied by his daughter

The aura that was created by kumudakriya, nalinakaAnthi,Anandabhairavi, mOhanam, sudhdha sArang and a very special sindhu bhairavi are still lingering around.. A full house audience at Chrompet Cultural Academy were immersed in the memories of MSG and the MSG music presented by Dr. Narmadha. . I am sure many of us were virtually listening to Sri MSG , in our mind.

Concert started with Chalamela varnam, and then ‘vAthApi ganapathim’…

A special kriti followed, with the soulful redition of ‘ardha nArIswaram’ in kumudakriya , prefaced with a beautiful exploration of the rAga. Dr. Narmadha sang the pallavi , before proceeding on violin.

The nalinakAnthi AlApana and the kriti, brought memories of MSG’s first record… Eyes closed, one could see his famous and loved smile, while hearing to many of his signature sangatis..

Main kriti was ‘bhavanutha’, one of MSG’s favorites, befitting to the tribute with its rendition and meaning. A very detailed AlApana, was followed by thAnam and swarAs. Thani Avarthanam was led by Sri. Thillaisthanam Suryanarayanan with commendable individual contributions from Sri. Swaminthan and Sri.Karthikeyan.

‘rAmachandra prabhO’ and the ‘tarAna’ , in sindhubhairavi, were played to conclude the concert , played in tribute to the Maestros Sri.MSG and Sri.Parur Sundaram Iyer. Sindhubhairavi , in the hands of MSG brought out the million colours of the rAga, and was a hit in almost every one of his concerts. The songs were embedded with beautiful snippets from unique MSG sangatis. The raga was painted with many hues of karnAtak and hinduthani traditions , and the techniques adapted from many instruments, like Sitar, by the Parur-MSG style.

The percussion team ably supported the violinist and contributed to make the event a great musical tribute.

Sri.MSG had an association with the Chrompet Cultaral Academy for over 40 years, and this historical moment testified to that association and also to his musical rapport with each of the Chrompet rasikas. Organisers of Chromepet Cultural Academy, shared their personal experiences which highlighted the greatness of Sri. MSG, for his music as well as personal simplicity, humility and integrity.

Even long after the concert, in the air and in the minds of those who were present, lives the timeless , everlasting, God’s own music, that Sri. MSG and the Parur MSG Bani has created and contributed to universal music…

[cacm]

PLEASE SEE DETAILS OF THE MSG MEMORIAL MEETING ON 19TH JANUARY AT RAGA SUDHA HALL 6 P.M. GIVEN AT THE SEPARATE THREAD UNDER GENERAL DISCUSSIONS. ALL ARE WELCOME. VKV (Please don't complain about Ettiquette etc. I am not angry at any one & in my opinion the capitalization gives special attention & makes persons take notice)

[rshankar]

(and an energetic & smiling photo of MSG with that of his daughter Dr. M Narmadha, scion of the Parur tradition, in the announcement of the event in The Hindu , which carried an impressive tribute note from her)

Would it be possible to get a link to the tribute?

[rsbiju]

Dear all Rasikas,

Please find a message from Dr.M Narmadha, on her historic ‘Padmabhushan Shri. MS Gopalakrishnan Tribute violin concert ‘ on 12th Jan 2013, and the links to the audio files of this concert.

Web links to the concert files:

http://narmadhamusic.com/tribute.htm
http://sancara.in/MSGTribute


"
I am requesting Biju to upload and share the audio files of my ‘Shri MS Gopalakrishnan Tribute concert’ earlier held at Chrompet Cultural Academy, Chennai organized in association with Sancara Trust.

This Concert was the first one I performed on the 10th day after ‘Violin Vadya Samrat’ Shri MSG left this world, as MY SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY & ALL THAT HE TAUGHT ME. This concert was a tribute to my father, path finder and trend setter, whose timeless music reflects his true boundless genius.

SANCARA Trust ,the first of its kind, intends to feature events highlighting the legacy of the Parur Tradition. With the presence and blessings of Padmabhushan Sangita Kalanidhi Shri MS Gopalakrishnan, the trust was inaugurated by Cleveland Shri VV Sundaram Mamaji on 13th Oct, 2012 and the event was presided over by Dr VK Vishwanathan ji ,Los Alamos USA, wherein I presented Karnatak and Hindustani violin solo performances, representing the Parur legacy. My dear father Shri MS Gopalakrishnan was personally present at this event and it was a great honor and privilege that he sat through the program and blessed me with his auspicious and musical presence. My eyes are moist even as I write these…

Rasikas may please log on to www.narmadhamusic.com or http://sancara.in/MSGTribute where my Tribute to MSG Sir Concert and all the speeches are uploaded, as MP3 audio files.

You can please email me at [email protected] or contact me on mobile 98400 77025

many thanks & regards
narmadha

"





best regards
biju

[drmnarmadha96]

Dear all Rasikas,

My special personal note to all of you,

I have uploaded the audio recordings of my ' Tribute to Shri. MS Gopalakrishnan ‘ special violin concert in the websites, http://narmadhamusic.com/tribute.htm and http://sancara.in/MSGTribute

I need the blessings of all of you to carry on the Parur legacy forward and to follow the tradition of my beloved Father and Guru , the trendsetter , Shri MS Gopalakrishnan.

Yours musically forever

Narmadha.

[srutishree91]

I believe that a rasika (based in the US) was working on Sri MSG's biography. Is this correct ? If so, I am waiting eagerly for the book. All of us should chip in with our recollections, photographs, anecdotes, etc.

I still can't believe that Sri MSG is no longer amongst us.

[srutishree91]

Just got hold of the latest issue of "Sruti" magazine. Has some wonderful photos of Sri MSG with family. Also includes a rare (never-seen-before) photo of an 18-year-old MSG in a jacket, holding the violin in Western pose.

There is a group photo (1952) taken inside the royal premises in Afghanistan showing Parur Sri Sundaram Iyer and MSG with Pt Omkarnath Thakur with tiger skins decorating the wall ! And a cutcheri where Pt Krishnanand is on the stage witnessing Sri MSG's solo.

Verily a collector's item. Many thanks to Smt Meenakshi Mami, Smt Narmadha, Sri Suresh, and Smt Latha for sharing these photos. Can't get enough of Sri MSG -- as Sri Kumaresh says, he will always live amongst us.

[akriti53]

Dear All,

I am really happy that some information on our dear MSG sir is presented by Sruthi magazine. The photo from Afghanistan Kabul, has been arranged by me after contacting the relatives of Pandit Balwant Rai Bhat ji who is one of the prime disciples of Pandit Omkarnath Thakur Ji. Pandit Balwant Rai Bhat has provided vocal support to most of the concerts of Omkarnath JI. He is a blind musician who turned 92 last September. In the photo you can identify him by his dark glasses. He is an outstanding musician in his own right. He has composed many Cheezes some of which are being played by none other than Smt N.Rajam in her concerts. It is important to appreciate this tribute to MSG in that context. I managed to get hold of two more tributes from North Indian Musicians. One from Shri Gajendra Narain SIngh who is a disciple of Pandit Vinak Rao Patwardhan . He sent a 6 page note in Hindi and hence this was not included . Another one from a practicing violinist Shri Ratnakar Gokale which was also not included as perhaps it reached a trifle late for inclusion. It is important to note here that one of the most respected tabla artiste Pandit Chatur lal is also in that photo. He has accompanied all the artistes on that tour. Pandit Chatur Lal is the elder brother of Pandit Ram Narain ( Sarangi Maestro). It is really interesting to see our young MSG sir amongst such luminaries of Hindustani music. There is a note accompanying this photo is the tribute from Balwant Rai ji. He has also stated that in their music festival, Feb 6 2013 was observed as a tribute day for our dear MSG sir.

[eesha]

Just got hold of the latest issue of "Sruti" magazine. Has some wonderful photos of Sri MSG with family. Also includes a rare (never-seen-before) photo of an 18-year-old MSG in a jacket, holding the violin in Western pose.

There is a group photo (1952) taken inside the royal premises in Afghanistan showing Parur Sri Sundaram Iyer and MSG with Pt Omkarnath Thakur with tiger skins decorating the wall ! And a cutcheri where Pt Krishnanand is on the stage witnessing Sri MSG's solo.

Verily a collector's item. Many thanks to Smt Meenakshi Mami, Smt Narmadha, Sri Suresh, and Smt Latha for sharing these photos. Can't get enough of Sri MSG -- as Sri Kumaresh says, he will always live amongst us.

Possible to scan and upload those photos ?? Tried to buy a copy of the magazine but not able to get.

[srutishree91]

Can do, but will there be any violation of copyright ... ?

[laxmikomar]

Hello Madam,

It was an awesome concert!

It was like MSG Sir playing again….He must be very happy up there!

I am sure his blessings are always with you.

Thank you so much!

Lakshmi

[cacm]

I believe that a rasika (based in the US) was working on Sri MSG's biography. Is this correct ? If so, I am waiting eagerly for the book. All of us should chip in with our recollections, photographs, anecdotes, etc.

I still can't believe that Sri MSG is no longer amongst us.

IN MY OPINION almost everyone gets into these kinds of activities mostly for ego satisfaction, using the name of famous musicians to advance their causes, personal recognition etc. Dr.M.Narmadha m.s.g's chief didciple & daughter is planning (?) to write a comprehensive biography. SHE is the one person who can do a VERY COMPETYENT JOB. VKV

[srkris]

MSG - Excellent Kamboji Varnam (must hear)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPNQEvN8ra4

[TheSeeker]

Here's a link to a half hour presentation on MSG commissioned by his disciple Murali Kumar (aka Violin Murali) on the occasion of his school function (RaagaSudha)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXC0wLCVB_0