THEMATIC CONCERTS

KNV1955 · Post by **KNV1955** » 28 Aug 2013, 10:39

I am starting this thread to seek members view on Thematic Concerts. Oflate the concerts on a Single Composer or on a Single theme is on the decline. I have had the pleasure of listening to some lovely concerts of KVN & DKJ on many occasions on one composer. Thyagaraja Bicentenary Concert at Music Academy , Vidwat samjam,Perambur Sangeeth Sabha; ITC Dikshidar (DKJ also) & Shyama Sastry day concerts; Swati Tirunal compositions concerts; Papanasam Sivam Concerts of both; Purandara Dasa Concert of AIR Bangalore; exclusive Devi compositions during Navarathri. I feel it is really challenging to structure the concert with careful selection of Ragas, Talas & Compositions. I could influence SVK's daughter to hold one such series last year at Nada Inbam & the best concert was that of Ranajani Hebbars who sang on Dasa Composers. She went to the extend of circulating the meaning of compositions she sang. Very sad that such a dedicated & talented young artist is no more. Strangely not many youngsters came forward to perform in this series. Oli attempted to present secular thematic concerts like Kamalam etc etc. It didn't appeal to me. Let us have some healthy debate on the topic & see if Chennai & Bangalore can revive the Thematic Concerts . KN

radha bhaskar · Post by **radha bhaskar** » 28 Aug 2013, 16:59

For the past seven years, Mudhra has been conducting all thematic concerts by upcoming musicians as part of its december fine arts fest - the only sabha to do so. This is a 4 days event ( 2 weekends) from morning to evening by youngsters ( 1 1/2 hour duration each) where every artist performs to a different theme.you can log on to our website www. mudhra.org for more details on the themes taken. Interestingly, the first fine art fest of Mudhra in 1995 featuring all top artists had the entire fest as a thematic one. That too I think was the first of its kind.

harimau · Post by **harimau** » 07 Sep 2013, 11:54

knv1955 wrote

Oflate the concerts on a Single Composer or on a Single theme is on the decline. I have had the pleasure of listening to some lovely concerts of KVN & DKJ on many occasions on one composer. Thyagaraja Bicentenary Concert at Music Academy , Vidwat samjam,Perambur Sangeeth Sabha; ITC Dikshidar (DKJ also) & Shyama Sastry day concerts; Swati Tirunal compositions concerts; Papanasam Sivam Concerts of both; Purandara Dasa Concert of AIR Bangalore; exclusive Devi compositions during Navarathri. I feel it is really challenging to structure the concert with careful selection of Ragas, Talas & Compositions. I could influence SVK's daughter to hold one such series last year at Nada Inbam

The late Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman was a prolific composer who has composed a large number of varnams, krithis and thillanas in popular as well as rarely heard ragas. The aesthetics of his compositions are far superior to the pedestrian compositions of Mamis of Mylapore (and other localities). In fact, his varnams and thillanas are popular among today's musicians who include them in their concerts. Musicians such as Nedunuri Krishnamurthy Garu and Voleti Venkateswarlu Garu had requested him to compose thillanas in certain ragas, showing in what regard he was held by master musicians.

I suggest that you approach the Nada Inbam with the idea of holding a thematic concert of Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman's compositions to be presented by his disciples (and descendants) GJR Krishnan and Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi.

Please report to this forum the reaction you get. I would like to know how high that lead balloon gets off the ground.

)

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 07 Sep 2013, 16:54

Thematic music Concert series was provided by Jaya TV during MMU 2010... (Margazhi Mahotsavam)

Themes opted were from "tatvam", "Ganesha", "Krishna", "bhajana pantha", "aayul, arogyam", "Hariyum and Haranam", "Kaalam or Time" and "All/Different Bharathi's compositions", "Namasivaya" , "Vel Murugan nama sankeerthanam", "Nine Types of Bhakthi", "Thyaga Ragas", "Krishna Leelai", "Utsava Sampradaya Kritis", "Oothukaadu Venkata Kavi".

http://pallavicapital.blogspot.in/2010/ ... eason.html provide links to the relevant songs..

However, the following songs are not available for public view....
Songs at Sl.numbers 2 to 6, 12, 14 to 17, 21,22 and 28

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 07 Sep 2013, 18:49

Vidya Subramanian has rendered

Thematic performance, Dikshitar kritis part 1 to 4..for which links are provided here...

http://www.vidyasubramanian.com/Pages/default.aspx

appu · Post by **appu** » 09 Sep 2013, 00:55

harimau wrote: The late Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman was a prolific composer who has composed a large number of varnams, krithis and thillanas in popular as well as rarely heard ragas. The aesthetics of his compositions are far superior to the pedestrian compositions of Mamis of Mylapore (and other localities). In fact, his varnams and thillanas are popular among today's musicians who include them in their concerts. Musicians such as Nedunuri Krishnamurthy Garu and Voleti Venkateswarlu Garu had requested him to compose thillanas in certain ragas, showing in what regard he was held by master musicians.

I suggest that you approach the Nada Inbam with the idea of holding a thematic concert of Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman's compositions to be presented by his disciples (and descendants) GJR Krishnan and Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi.

Please report to this forum the reaction you get. I would like to know how high that lead balloon gets off the ground. )

Probably will get no where because Nada Inbam and Jaya are under the thumb of the other maha violin vidwan. Not even a fly can perform without his blessings. I am sure this is what Harimau meant.

KNV1955 · Post by **KNV1955** » 09 Sep 2013, 19:42

Appu. Just because i suggest something

KNV1955 · Post by **KNV1955** » 09 Sep 2013, 19:48

Just because I suggest something Jaya mami will not do it. Remember she is SVK's daughter. Nor am I big enough promote the work of Lalgudi Sir. The family is already doing a great job at a different venue. When I say thematic I mean only Thygaraja/Dikshitar/Syama Sastri/Kerala composers predominantly Swati Tirunal/Tamil Composers mainly Papanasa Sivan/ Gopalakishna Bharathi etc/ Kannada composers mainly dasa & Vasudevachar. I am very very narrow minded person & traditionalist. Period.

KNV

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 09 Sep 2013, 21:52

I am curious to know whether Sri Lalgudi ever performed at Nada Inbam?

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 09 Sep 2013, 22:58

I want to point out that it may be better to take a broader view of what is meant by "Thematic Concerts". For EXAMPLE VISAKA HARI has probably done the best in her DVD (Swathi soft)Performing Krishna Leela Sangitha Upanyasam sticking to the compositions of AMBUJAM KRISHNAN & it was an EYE OPENER to me who has heard concerts in MOST SABHAS AS WELL AS MAJOR ARTISTS. She has used the BRILLIANT Compositions of Ambujam Krishna like a Triveni Sangamam in masterfully combining the knowledge&depth of Krishna Premi, Lalgudi Jayaraman and Ambujam Krishna and her own immense knowledge, talents and ability to communicate with her UNIQUE Sangitha Upanyasam style. Her use of this technique has done MORE than ALL THE MUSICIANS& SABHAS have done to bring to attention the unequalled creativity of the composers....We should not just stick to PLATFORM MUSIC especially because most of the vocalists are seriously FLAWED in variuous aspects. TNS is probably the smart one following the IMMORTAL Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar in performing Harikatha etc.....
LETS go beyond the box & discuss SUBSTANCE. Talking about Jaya Mami only gives away the identity of persons who are considered wise smart & funny by some in this forum using anonimity tho' most of the identities are easily decipherable. :ymapplause: VKV

PUNARVASU · Post by **PUNARVASU** » 10 Sep 2013, 05:56

Talking about thematic concerts, I remember attending one such ,years ago, may be late 60 s or early 70 s. there was this Sabah in Madras, ( I forget the name ) which used to hold chamber music concerts. The theme was ' Thodi ' and the artist was the great ShriLGJ. We( me and my sister ) went with a doubt as to how one can hear Thodi for three hours. But it was such a beautiful experience! Thodi, in all it's myriad forms and splendour was played by the maestro and at the end of the concert, we were really asking for more. Unfortunately I do not remember the details of the songs, but I think the first one was the 'ErA napai' varnam.

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 10 Sep 2013, 06:26

LGJ WAS AN EXCEPTION. Not only was he a GENIUS on the violin he knew every word of every song he ever played and the nuances of not only the note the words and the musicality of anything & everything he ever did or thought about....We were fortunate to have witnessed the birth of LALGUDI SAHAPTHAM & in future times we will know how great it is and was.....VKV :ymapplause:

CRama · Post by **CRama** » 10 Sep 2013, 09:15

TNS was the forerunner in Thematic concerts. All his concerts for Gokulashtami, Sree Rama Navami, Sivarathri, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Navarathri were thematic concerts only. Even for Ganesh Chathurthi, he has given concerts with exclusive kritis on Vinayaka and with specially composed pallavis on Vinayaka. His concerts for Tsmil Iasi Sangam were devoted to one Tamil Composer each year. I have heard his Oothucad, Thayumanavar, Ramalinga Swamigal, Thirupugazh, Kannadasan songs etc in Tamil Isai Sangam. Not to forget his exclusive Thirupavai concerts. I ave also got two concerts of exclusive Thodi and Bhairavi- starting from Varnam to Mangalam and including a pallavi. In the Thodi concerts, after the thani, he sang kritis on the janya ragas of Thodi and he concluded with a Mangalam in Asaveri (Sree Ramachandranukku jaya mangalam)

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 10 Sep 2013, 10:12

Punarvasu
One raga one krithi concerts was held till about 3 to 4 years for atleast 4 years all organized by mudhra . I have heard TV ramprasadh on todi , GG on Kalyani etc.

To an extent now the trend for many sabhas is to condense and reduce the concert to a smaller or a smallest capsule. To an extent we dont notice any theme .

harimau · Post by **harimau** » 10 Sep 2013, 10:20

CRama wrote

TNS was the forerunner in Thematic concerts.

Authentic geniuses coming out of a great sishya parampara like Sri T N Seshagopalan do not have to go around trumpeting their punditry. They just perform according to the occasion. I have heard TNS perform a concert featuring exclusively krithis on Siva on Sivarathri without referring to a single bit of paper though the concert covered a variety of composers as well as tevaram, tiruppugazh, etc. A few months back, on an occasion celebrating Devakottai Narayana Iyengar, every composition he sang featured the name "Narayana". I don't think the audience made the connection until TNS pointed it out.

There will be a thematic concert featuring compositions of Oothukkadu Venkatasubbier on Sep 12, 2013 at Asthika Samajam, Tiruvanmiyur by Sri T N Seshagopalan.

harimau · Post by **harimau** » 10 Sep 2013, 10:51

KNV1955 wrote

When I say thematic I mean only Thygaraja/Dikshitar/Syama Sastri/Kerala composers predominantly Swati Tirunal/Tamil Composers mainly Papanasa Sivan/ Gopalakishna Bharathi etc/ Kannada composers mainly dasa & Vasudevachar. I am very very narrow minded person & traditionalist.

Tradition and Swathi Thirunal?

That tradition started only in the late 1940s or after.

Considering that the authorship of the Kambhodi ata tala varnam "Sarasijanabha" is disputed and that "Suma Sayaka" in Kapi is an exact copy of a Telugu piece by the Tanjore Quartette (who were at the Travancore Court) and that several other compositions attributed to him are claimed to have been authored by court musicians, one could question Swathi Thirunal's (manufactured) reputation as a composer.

Maybe I am even more narrow-minded!

)

As to Tamil composers, there have been persons like Muthuthandavar (of the Tamil moovars). How about Ootthukkadu Venkata Kavi? My God, you may be pis*ing off a certain contemporary artist by not mentioning him!

In Telugu, we have Annamayya and Bhadrachala Ramadas. They predate not just the T/MD/SS trinity but also Purandaradasa.

If you complain that Annamayya and Bhadrachala Ramadas composed keerthanas and not krithis in the traditional pallavi-anupallavi-charanam structure followed by T, so did Purandaradasa.

All I can say is that people attempt to rationalize their prejudices without thinking through their arguments. [-x

And you have folks like me who love to punch holes through such arguments. @};-

harimau · Post by **harimau** » 10 Sep 2013, 10:51

KNV1955 wrote

When I say thematic I mean only Thygaraja/Dikshitar/Syama Sastri/Kerala composers predominantly Swati Tirunal/Tamil Composers mainly Papanasa Sivan/ Gopalakishna Bharathi etc/ Kannada composers mainly dasa & Vasudevachar. I am very very narrow minded person & traditionalist.

Tradition and Swathi Thirunal?

That tradition started only in the late 1940s or after.

Considering that the authorship of the Kambhodi ata tala varnam "Sarasijanabha" is disputed and that "Suma Sayaka" in Kapi is an exact copy of a Telugu piece by the Tanjore Quartette (who were at the Travancore Court) and that several other compositions attributed to him are claimed to have been authored by court musicians, one could question Swathi Thirunal's (manufactured) reputation as a composer.

Maybe I am even more narrow-minded!

)

As to Tamil composers, there have been persons like Muthuthandavar (of the Tamil moovars). How about Ootthukkadu Venkata Kavi? My God, you may be pis*ing off a certain contemporary artist by not mentioning him!

In Telugu, we have Annamayya and Bhadrachala Ramadas. They predate not just the T/MD/SS trinity but also Purandaradasa.

If you complain that Annamayya and Bhadrachala Ramadas composed keerthanas and not krithis in the traditional pallavi-anupallavi-charanam structure followed by T, so did Purandaradasa.

All I can say is that people attempt to rationalize their prejudices without thinking through their arguments. [-x

And you have folks like me who love to punch holes through such arguments. @};-

harimau · Post by **harimau** » 10 Sep 2013, 10:59

appu wrote

Probably will get no where because Nada Inbam *********under the thumb of the other maha violin vidwan. Not even a fly can perform without his blessings. I am sure this is what Harimau meant.

Sometime ago, when there was some discussion about the role of the alternative (to established) sabhas, I pointed out that as much as the Music Academy, Narada Gana Sabha, etc., have their prejudices when it comes to selecting artists that they feature, so do the alternative sabhas.

I was accused of being paranoid and seeing apparitions where none exists. (Google for that, I am not going to do the easy work!)

I kept quiet knowing that an appropriate time will come for providing factual information. And you have provided it!

Maybe together you and I can dissect Nadopasana next!

PUNARVASU · Post by **PUNARVASU** » 10 Sep 2013, 12:45

[quote="rajeshnat"]Punarvasu
One raga one krithi concerts was held till about 3 to 4 years for atleast 4 years all organized by mudhra . I have heard TV ramprasadh on todi , GG on Kalyani etc.

Yes, I know that. Shri SRJ used to have exclusive programmes of ragas which have just one Krithi in them.

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 10 Sep 2013, 14:17

Maybe together you and I can dissect Nadopasana next!

So, every sabha, from the mightiest to the miniest has preferences? They are run by humans, after all. Given that Chennai has so many, don't the various preferences (or prejudices even) get balanced out?

Why should there be a need for any disection?

KNV1955 · Post by **KNV1955** » 10 Sep 2013, 19:05

Harimau

It is well known that all compositions of Swati Tirunal were the work of Tanjore quartet. I suppose it is the case with all Maharajas. It is true of even papers published in all Scientific Journals where the credit is given to the Chief though his contribution may be practically Nil. I am only interested in the compositions. I have enjoyed a lot listening to these compositions by my father. Why unnecessarily drag Nada Inbam into the picture on this topic. Harimau sir pl don't make it Lalgudi Vs Nada Inbam or Lalgudi Vs TNK discussion. They are all great artists & I don't have the standing or age to talk about them. I simply enjoy their music & I have some collection of both of them accompanying my father. You may be having more.

)

)

My father has performed with Lalgudi Sir at Raga Sudha Coimbatore. It is a lovely concert with Balagopala as main. Raghu Sir on Mridangam.

Visaka Hari is exceptional. I attended last year her Sangita Upanyasam on Ambujam Krishna Compositions. It is interesting to know about TNS sir concert structuring. His style is close to Ariyakudi School. Great artist.

As Nick said there are enough of Nada Inabms/Sudhas etc etc in Chennai to promote all types of music.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 10 Sep 2013, 22:10

What next? Jaya Chamarajendra Wodiyar did not compose any of his songs? He did karaoke when he pretended to play the piano? And all his scholarship was a made-up story?

CM and HM which flourished because of patronage from wealthy landlords, also touched them, inspired them. Rajahs loved the arts because as with their training in warfare, their ears and eyes were trained in the arts too. Music, dance and the fine arts were very much part of their lives. They were inspired to compose too, I guess--sometimes, with a little help from the musicians and scholars who surrounded them.

With all the controversy which surrounds ST (I have no clue about the details), surely, his compositions do not come across as if they were created by different musicians/scholars.

I suppose, we 'kODi vITTu' mami composers (the women from around the corner), thus commoners, are let off the hook!

annamalai · Post by **annamalai** » 10 Sep 2013, 23:21

http://srutimag.blogspot.in/2013/07/mys ... achar.html

"Mysore Vasudevachar would one day become a famous musician like his guru. Appointed asthana vidwan in the Mysore court, he was lauded as performer, scholar and composer. He set to music the grand verses of his royal patron Jayachamaraja Wodeyar. Examples were Kshirasagarasayana (Mayamalavagowla, Dhruva); Srijalandhara (Gambhiranattai, Adi) and Sivasivasivabho (Nadanamakriya, Jhampa)."

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 11 Sep 2013, 02:17

All I can say is that people attempt to rationalize their prejudices without thinking through their arguments. [-x

I have to confess that I get much pleasure from reading Harimau's dissections.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 11 Sep 2013, 04:21

There is only one Harimau

and we miss him if he doesn't show up every now and then

CRama · Post by **CRama** » 11 Sep 2013, 10:22

It was quite surprising to read KNV55 opinion about ST- coming from the son of KVN. I do not want to ignite the controversy of ST. A few months back SRUTI mag published one report about ST based upon research by Dr Achut Sankar. At the end of it, there was a summary given by KV.Ramanathan in a box. That is the fact behind it.

KNV1955 · Post by **KNV1955** » 12 Sep 2013, 21:26

C Rama Frankly I don't care about all these controversies. My father never talked about these things. I enjoy the compositions of Swati Tirunal. There was this big fight by S .Balachander (am I right) about genuineness of Swati Tirunal compositions. I have read here there that the composers were the Vadivelu..... I never started this thread to create such controversies or gossip. I am more interested in Music & not so much in this kind of talk. I withdraw whatever I said.

KNV1955 · Post by **KNV1955** » 12 Sep 2013, 21:34

Administrator. Pl scrap this entire thread. I started this to show my interest in Thematic Concert when I was reading about Ranjani Hebber in Sruti magazine.I choked reading about her because she took so much interest in the concert & distributed the meaning of all Dasa Kritis she sang that day. Unfortunately it has taken all sorts of twists & turns with Harimau dragging Nada Inbam, Lalgudi, Swati Tirunal etc I don't like to be part any gossip mongering. Thanks.

KNV

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 12 Sep 2013, 21:41

[quote="mahavishnu"All I can say is that people attempt to rationalize their prejudices without thinking through their arguments.

I have to confess that I get much pleasure from reading Harimau's dissections.[/quote]

MAYBE YOU can start a new thread on harimau SO PERSONS INTERESTED IN ADMIRING HIS GREATNESS, SMARTNESS can express their heart's content. Those who are not that enamoured and consider it a waste of time can concentrate on subject matter of the thread. To me its very clear where the biases including mine lie. ONLY A SUGGESTION!

)

( :-@ :ymparty: :-ss [-x VKV

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 13 Sep 2013, 00:08

And VKV, we are running out of emoticons

Harimau in his den, and once in a while, prowling out, sniffing things, getting a bit.....(fill in the blanks) at times. We have all experienced that. Mahavishnu has in mind Harimau's sense of humor and his keen sense for music and things when he said that, and I understand that. We do need as much humor as we possibly can, to survive in this world. When he's not attacking someone based on his prejudices (fully forgetting their merits), I feel like using a few emoticons myself!

KNV,
Knowing that you grew up as the son of not only a distinguished musician but also a fine gentleman, I can see how you feel. Harimau shakes us all up a bit initially. Then, you get used to him. If he's not in one of his vitriolic moods, plenty of what he says is worth our while. I wouldn't underestimate his views, except when it comes to his most conservative ideas about how CM should be (no, I don't mean it in the sense you called yourself a conservative!).

Harimau is Harimau, and we have come to accept it...

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 13 Sep 2013, 00:12

Please read: when he's out attacking (instead of 'not' attacking)!

Sorry, my Edit button isn't working at the moment

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 13 Sep 2013, 02:29

Arasi: thanks for your wisdom and diplomacy.

Cacm: I am honestly puzzled by your reaction, since you have expressed your admiration for Harimau's positions yourself in other threads.
We all understand the mischievously heterodox, yet unerringly orthodox viewpoints that he espouses. In this particular instance, he used the logic of the OP to find fallacies the OP's own argument. Personally, I find the incisive nature of his arguments and his scathing sense of humour (when I am not at the receiving end) worthy of appreciation. And I am certainly not in the minority.

Second, you have also in the past expressed your with dissatisfaction the OP (given his position and lineage) for his views here, for representing a less delicately worded opinion in a public forum on a sensitive topic. See for e.g. http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic. ... 5&start=25

To me its very clear where the biases including mine lie.

Perhaps. I am not so sure any more. I think some of the opinions expressed here by the OP are worthy of a stronger level of intervention from a statesman like you, and not the contrary position you seem to have taken.

And just to clarify, CRama's position perfectly reflects my own views on this topic almost exactly. CRama, thank you for your extremely sensible viewpoint expressed with the utmost sense of tact.

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 13 Sep 2013, 04:12

Dear Mahavishnu,
I am ALL for FREE EXPRESSION on ANY SUBJECT. However having conducted MANY MEETINGS CONCERTS ETC IN RAGA SUDHA HALL BEING INVOLVED WITH NADOPASANA-I will not NAME the persons as they are the ones being attacked hewre- and I know that the accusations made are FALSE. However I am not going to give details as it will prolong falsehoods.
Right now Devan's centenary is being celebrated & we can read him or P.G.Wodehouse whose writings are far funnier. Mixing up humour with unwarranted criticisms & thinly veiled references to T.N.Krishnan etc CANNOT go unanswered. I am only suggesting we shd. be careful in encouraging persons who have various reasons for saying what they are saying.
I am not claiming to be either CORRECT OR CONSISTENT. I write what I feel is correct and so should others....Sorry if I made a big deal but it is to me as I know & have dealt with the two persons being put down....VKV

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 13 Sep 2013, 04:40

Sorry if I made a big deal but it is to me as I know & have dealt with the two persons being put down

Dear VKV sir. Fair enough. I am not surprised by your sense of profanation at this. I respect your position.

However, I think it is a bigger deal when KVN's son (not Harimau) makes a statement about Swati Tirunal in a public forum. The same Swati Tirunal under whose family's hospitality KVN has performed innumerable times with the likes of LGJ/PMI accompanying him. Please keep in mind that our forum readership includes some of these descendants. I find it ironic that you do not find this worthy of outrage, as you have expressed in the earlier thread that I referred to.
The exact quote is below.

KNV1955 wrote:It is well known that all compositions of Swati Tirunal were the work of Tanjore quartet. I suppose it is the case with all Maharajas. It is true of even papers published in all Scientific Journals where the credit is given to the Chief though his contribution may be practically Nil.

What I found intelligent in Harimau's position is the irony that he found in the OP's positions, supposedly based on orthodoxy. And that is what elicited my honest appreciation. His views on Nadopasana and Nada Inbam are his own.

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 13 Sep 2013, 05:03

Dear Mahavishnu,
I was objecting only to what was written/implied about those TWO. I am going to write about my dealing with RAGA SUDHA to somewhat counter what has been written about Jaya etc. REG KNV I am writing you a separate email as I do not want to discuss it in this forum. I will write you about Raga Sudha also there. There is some background why I had to respond. VKV

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 13 Sep 2013, 05:51

Thank you for your kind message, Sri VKV. I appreciate your personal response.

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 13 Sep 2013, 07:38

There is a trend that some threads opened with good intentions…getting derailed..
Without allowing to continue a healthy discussion…or die a natural death…
It is a curse…
See the threads…
http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21735
http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21735
http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21639
http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21739
http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21880
http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21802

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 13 Sep 2013, 17:15

Shri VKV
your post 35..

Sir,
you are learned and also has rich experience behind you..

If you want to share with any one, it is considered that it as your personal one
and there is no need to post your intentions in the forum telling interalia

that you do not want to share it here..

It looks a bit odd and perhaps insulting...also..

regards...

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 13 Sep 2013, 22:05

Dear V,
Having been involved since 1951 in organisational aspects of carnatic music I can tell you that YOU are one if the FEW who is lucky enough to CONCENTRATE ON THINGS AT A MORE ELEVATED(SPIRITUALLY) LEVEL. I will be happy to share with you on a PERSONAL BASIS; I HAVE A VERY HIGH REGARD FOR YOU & YOUR EFFORTS. I am writing certain details by email (separate emails)& will be happy to include you in the list. PL let me know your email. Mine is [email protected]. REGS, VKV

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 14 Sep 2013, 17:30

Dear cacm,

Dear VKV Sir,

I request you to kindly share your knowledge about Nada Inbam as to why Harimau wrote stirring up controversy.I request you to kindly write the postings in Rasikas forum.
I am also sending a test mail thru Rasika and request my inclusion in the mail.I do not know you personally,but i read the contributions made by you in bringing up CMNA in Sri Lalgudi's autobiography penned by Laksmi Devnath.

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 14 Sep 2013, 19:10

cacm..

There seems to be that my post has been misunderstood...
It was not my intention to gain access to know the matter which you wanted to convey to a member..absolutely not..
what I indicated was that you could have directly communicated the contents of your post by mail instead of posting it here..
I hope I am clear..

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 14 Sep 2013, 19:44

In the long-standing sabha-culture of Chennai, it's places like Naada Inbam which are like a breath of fresh air, I feel.

The old and mighty sabhas are good at doing what they do--they bring plenty of music to us. It's the way in which they go about their business which often makes rasikAs groan. They are very much a political system, with all its flaws.

In my own limited way, I can see why Naada Inbam means a lot to rasikAs. My personal experience with it has been nothing but pleasant. Anyone interested in music can walk in there. I yet have to see a family-friendly musical venue like that. Children and parents listening together, grandparents too, as if one is home but is spending time exclusively for music. Those who live in Chennai may take it for granted, but to me, every time I'm there, I feel relaxed and feel that I'm in the company of those who are there for the business of listening to some good music, and that's all. It's that simple.

My dealings with the sabha (in a small way) have been such a pleasant experience. Two of my CD releases were held there. Things just fell in place without any complications, thanks to Jaya, Sekhar and helpers there--for someone who lives abroad and has little knowledge about the way the sabhas work, they made it so easy for me at Naada Inbam--always reachable, friendly and helpful.

Well, we make it a habit of bashing MA and other big time sabhas. It may suit some to take a pot shot at smaller sabhas for a change, or they may have their own reasons for doing this.

I do not like to see a good thing like Naada Inbam become a 'knock it about' sport just for the sake of it because, when we have a good thing, we better keep it that way. I would certainly suggest improvements if any, to Jaya personally or by mail, rather than drag it all to a forum, where people who want a joy ride at the expense of others aren't given a chance to jump in.

This way, a 'for' and 'against' posture can be avoided, which if allowed, will lead to locking of this thread--which means: waste of precious time and energy...

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 14 Sep 2013, 21:11

Madam Arasi,

A question mark over Nada Inbam has been raised by Sri harimau which needs clarification.It is said to deny opportunities for a certain group.In case you go thru Music Academy,all the leading musicians have been given opportunity to perform.There may be some controversy over Sangeethakalanidhi that certain musicians were not recognised.It is history that practically every leading musician has performed at MA.

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 14 Sep 2013, 21:54

I don't think that the sabhas should have a tick list of musicians any more than the musicians should have a tick list of sabhas. Perhaps, when it comes to the Big three or four, it might indeed be a slight if some major artist were not invited, or "given the opportunity" as hnbhagavan puts it, but the smaller organisations? In fact some are not organisations at all but private or family affairs. it is their choice. A house concert given by people who built a room in their house big enough for 200 people.

annamalai · Post by **annamalai** » 14 Sep 2013, 22:24

I did have a respect for Raga Sudha/Nada Inbam. But, I think Nada Inbam's image was tarnished when the sabha made an issue of the recording of the Injikudi's concert, the point Yessel had raised.

I would guess, for every sabha, there will always be a core set of musicians, who are behind that sabha. I do not see anything wrong with that. Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer was a secretary of Krishna Gana Sabha; later Lalgudi Jayaraman and Santhanam were active with KGS. it has been widely reported that Semmangudi and MSS were associated with Meccademy. Kunnakudy Vaidhyanathan was managing Thiruvaiyaru Aradhana so on.

KNV1955 · Post by **KNV1955** » 14 Sep 2013, 22:49

Arasi
I fully endorse your view. Nada Inbam is one place where any rasika can just walk in & listen to the music. There is no one around to throw their weight.You can go & sit in the 1st row or last row. No one will will question. Almost every worthy youngster gets an opportunity to perform there. Some retain there their association with the sabha even after they become popular. Some don't.Not many would know a lot of Rasikas donate to Nada Inbam & they hardly identify themselves. From what I know of Jaya she is least affected by all these gossips. She is running Nada Inbam out of shear love for her father (I attended you CD release function last time).

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 15 Sep 2013, 00:29

And you didn't introduce yourself to me

Sorry, from thematic concerts to near-systematic bashing to personal conversation, this is a typical example of where many threads can go!
You are right about the abundant opportunities youngsters get at Naada Inbam--and seniors who rarely get chances to perform elsewhere.

Annamalai,
I like what you say. If we all as rasikAs have our preferences and whims, why can't an organizer who is closer to a rasikA than many of the dyed-in the wool organizers have certain preferences?

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 15 Sep 2013, 01:31

I wish to point out that Smt.Jaya is involved with TWO aspects at least of events taking place (with respect to music related activities) at RAGA SUDHA HALL.
1) NADA INBAM. THIS IS AN ORGANISATION like ANY OTHER like Music Academy or ANY of the Sabhas that have their OWN RULES&PROCEDURES and outsiders like me & others in this forum have ZERO rights to question what they do. They can of course take the cowards way out & express their personal vindictiveness etc as this forum ALLOWS complete anonymity+ total freedom etc which has plusses & minusses. But I want to state that most of the persons who consistently PLY their prejudices are continually tracked down by guys like me and if a person is computer savvy as well as somewhat in the know on these matters its fairly EASY to find out who the person is. I actually DECIDED to waste my energy&time because of the UNJUST&WRONG things being said about CLEVELAND an admittedly FOOLISH WAY to spend one's time...Anyway SVK built this place to continue his committment to provide OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNGSTERS OF PROMISE

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 15 Sep 2013, 01:31

I wish to point out that Smt.Jaya is involved with TWO aspects at least of events taking place (with respect to music related activities) at RAGA SUDHA HALL.
1) NADA INBAM. THIS IS AN ORGANISATION like ANY OTHER like Music Academy or ANY of the Sabhas that have their OWN RULES&PROCEDURES and outsiders like me & others in this forum have ZERO rights to question what they do. They can of course take the cowards way out & express their personal vindictiveness etc as this forum ALLOWS complete anonymity+ total freedom etc which has plusses & minusses. But I want to state that most of the persons who consistently PLY their prejudices are continually tracked down by guys like me and if a person is computer savvy as well as somewhat in the know on these matters its fairly EASY to find out who the person is. I actually DECIDED to waste my energy&time because of the UNJUST&WRONG things being said about CLEVELAND an admittedly FOOLISH WAY to spend one's time...Anyway SVK built this place to continue his committment to provide OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNGSTERS OF PROMISE & SMT. JAYA IS MORE THAN FULFILLING HIS DREAM.
2) REG RAGA SUDHA HALL: Arasi has written about her experiences. Let me add mine: I have conducted more than 25 events over the years which lasted more than 4 hours-regular times allowed usully 3hours- many at last minute condolence meetings like for Veena great Venkataraman etc. I did not know her at all but told her I knew SVK for many years starting with his CBE days etc. She asked what I paid then & it was 5000Rs. She said since I knew her father she wanted to help & originally wanted to give the hall free. I had to persuade her to accept this money at least to satisfy my conscience. I do not wish to belabour the point.
BOTTOMLINE IS: Various persons for various reasons are propagating falsehoods & members who have not spent time investigating these are tempted to believe what they dish out.....MOST here are smart well intentioned& educated. LET US NOT ALLOW nonsense to PREVENT GOOD EXCHANGE OF IDEAS FROM TAKING PLACE.....As an example of absurdity the same person who is complaining about Kerala musicians not being given SK is trying to blame TNK for preventing from LGJ actively participating in events at Raga Sudha. LGJ has been honoured twice & has given lectures at least twice in events I arranged there. This Business of blame game only shows the limitations of the person complaining....I have Known Raga sudha from its inception & Nadopasana Srinivasan have known each other sonce 1940's. I WISH the persons writing all this stuff contribute one thousandth of what he has done for our music & promising as well as senior artists like MSG....
I HAD to write this because as Arasi, Pattamma, C.Rama- I do not know the last two-and several others have pointed out any decent discussion is being prevented on any topic. The pretensions of being funny smart etc may satisfy the ego etc but are not replacements for substance.....NOW I AM READY FOR THE BRICK BATS. VKV

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 15 Sep 2013, 08:04

Sri VKV,

Thank you for your posting.This is good news to know that no prejudice to host any artist at Nada Inbam.