100th BIRTHDAY CELEBERATIONS OF MS AMMA AT MA-16/9/16

[CRama]

Suswaralakshmi Foundation for Classical Music and Performing Arts spearheaded by our own Cienu (Sreenivasan) organised the above function in Music Academy on the 100th birth day of Bharat Ratna M.S.Subbulakshmi. The programme was to start at 5.30 P.M. The VIPs had a look at the grand Photo Gallery in the foyer of Academy and then assembled in the Hall. The programme commenced at 5.45 P.M. The day’s events commenced with the prayer song sung by Aiswarya and Soundarya, daughters of Sreenivasan. They sang the slokam Nagendraharaya Trilochanaya popularised by MS, in Ragamalika consisting of Yamunkalyani and Sivaranjani very soulfully.
Sreenivasan welcomed the VIPs and huge gathering of music lovers gathered in the Academy. For brevity, I am covering only very important points which many may not be aware.
• It is very appropriate that this function is conducted in the Academy. In 1955, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehruji laid the foundation stone for this hall and it was followed by the concert of MS. After hearing that concert only Nehruji made the epoch making remark ”Who am I, a mere Prime Minister before the Queen of Music”. Panditji made this quote in two other occasions also.
• The Trust will be honouring two legendary accompanists of M.S- Sangeetakalanidhi T.K.Murthy and Nadayogi V.V.Subramaniam who have provided accompaniment to M.S in innumerable concerts and embellished the concerts significantly. The honour carries a purse of Rs 1 lakh besides the citation.

• Gopal Krishna Gandhi presented the awards to the musicians. He added that.
• T.K. Murthy has played for more than 15000 concerts.
• Yehudi Menuhin was so much impressed by the virtuosity of VVS that he created a new acronym for VVS- Violin Virtuoso Subramaniam.
• Semmangudi conferred the title Nadayogi on VVS.

• Gowri Ramnarayanan, a multi faceted personality who had provided vocal accompaniment to M.S for many years narrated her experiences of practicing and singing along with M.S Amma. Among the many endearing qualities in the music of M.S, she pointed out to the Swarasthana sudham and kalapramana sudham.

• Cleveland Sundaram who next spoke said that the singing career of M.S can be divided into three phases- upto 1950, which was more flamboyant in style, 1950-70 which gave the highly classical side of her concerts and concerts after 1970- when the Bhakthi element took priority.

• The MS-VVS-TKM-VN/THV combo gave 2000-3000 concerts in the period 1950-70
• TKMurthy played for eight generation of singers.
• VVS was the first Carnatic violinist who cut a record in the U.S and his Todi in that record was hailed superior by many violinists of that country.
• In an era when vidwans do lobbying for awards and titles, it is very difficult to make VVS accept any award.
• Murali, President of Music Academy stated that M.S never took any remuneration for her concerts in Music Academy.
• M.S gave many fund raising concerts for the construction of Music Academy.
• The last public concert of M.S was in the year 1997 at the Music Academy.

• VVS, in his acceptance speech told that from 1963-75 he was playing for M.S.
• SSI used to teach MS, TNK and VVS together in Kalki gardens.
• VVS mentioned many instances of motherly affection shown by MS.
• MS used to tell VVS and TKM are like my two eyes.

This was followed by a documentary on M.S produced by our Cienu and this was the pick of day. In the documentary he analysed the music of M.S from various angles and played audio/video clippings from a wide spectrum of concerts. The following clippings were shown.

• Sankarabharanam alapana
• Neraval at Madhurapuri nilaye
• Swaras at Ilalo of Tsalakallaladu
• Tanam in Mayamalavagowla
• Hari Tum Haro
• Moratopu- Padam in Sahana ( to show the impact of both the voices singing together- M.S singing in lower sthayi and RV s in mel sthayi)
• Koniyadina na pai (M.S singing in lower sthayi and RV in mel sthayi)
• Dhono dhonya-Bengali song(VIDEO)
• Sreekantha ninagishtu (VIDEO)
• Jagadodharana (VIDEO) U.N.concert
• Toliyumaryaku-Neelambari (This song was sung by MS, Radha and Vijaya during the thottil ceremony of Aiswarya- daughter of Sreenivasan. (VIDEO)
• Bhavayami Gopala balam

The entire event was a very meticulously planned and diligently conducted function. Cienu deserves a very big Sabash for the MS Documentary he has produced. His voice has got good power, depth and clarity, very much suitable for such documentaries. He has selected appropriate clippings from various concerts. The songs are also not very commonly heard ones. It maintained a fine balance of heavy classical songs and bhajans. The videos were real treat to the eyes.

The Photo gallery which was inaugurated by Gopal Krishna Gandhi provided a joyous treat to the eyes. Vintage photos- may be numbering more than 1000 in big prints immaculately arranged in the foyer of the Academy with appropriate notings about the place, dignitaries etc. It requires great patience and perseverance to collect the old photos, preserve them without damage, and conduct such an exhibition. Probably this may be the collection of Smt.Radha Viswanathan. This brought great nostalgic memories for many people like me. I request Cienu to do the Photo exhibition for a week in Academy during December so that a wide gamut of rasikas can enjoy them.

Only speakers extended their time while speaking about MS. Hence the concert of Aiswarya started only at 8.30 P.M. Since it was late, I did not wait for the concert. I thought I can hear from the webcast. But today I tried, I could not open the webcast link. I hope Cienu will do the needful.

[CRama]

Now the web link is working. Thanks Cienu

[Nick H]

Aishwaryia was not well, and her voice was badly affected. Apparently, that day, she had found it hard to talk, let alone sing. The first song showed her health clearly, and I did not think she could continue. In fact, I was concerned for the effect on her throat if she did so. However, after a couple of songs, some miracle occurred and she blossomed into full voice! It was quite amazing.

We had hear her young sister as they had sung the opening prayer right at the beginning of the evening. It is good to know that she is another sweet-voiced member of the family. She gave vocal support to Aishwariya, and, in the early songs, it was much more than a formality. It was nice to see the youngster, sitting and, indeed, singing, with full confidence, on the big stage of that that imposing institution. Congratulations to both young ladies!

[varsha]

Cleveland Sundaram who next spoke said that the singing career of M.S can be divided into three phases- upto 1950, which was more flamboyant in style, 1950-70 which gave the highly classical side of her concerts and concerts after 1970- when the Bhakthi element took priority.

so very apt
1950
https://archive.org/details/15MAruBalka ... iTyAgarAja

[Sivaramakrishnan]

Well, CRama was my 'next seater' at the function and we enjoyed the prog thoroughly. A few observations of mine:

* The audience turn out needs special mention as it was a 'bandh' in Chennai that day (6 a.m - 6 p.m.) The programme started by 5.40 pm.
* Gowri Ramnarayanan turned quite emotional while recounting the incomparable simplicity and generosity of MS.
* T K Moorthy chose not to speak as he was visibly choked with emotions.
* VVS who rather chose to speak literally stole the show.
* The name of the lady compere was not known.
* Sri Kalki Rajendran was among the audience.
* I looked around for HMV Raghu who gave an interesting account of 'recording MS' in one of the recent episodes on MS in Podhigai TV.
*The backdrop on the stage was simple yet grand.
* The photo exhibition could be thrown open for viewing much earlier in the day as the pictures deserve much more than cursory glance. (Cienu must be compensating for this during the ensuing 'Season'.)
* The Kalki MS centenary special issue found many takers. (The plasti-covered book prevented the casual page-flippers!)
* While leaving, I got a free copy of Kalki weekly magazine dated 21.8.2016 with a complementary CD 'Forever MS' (Endrendrum MS) sponsored by RMKV. The songs in this CD have been selected by those who were closely associated with MS. A thoughtful memoir.
(I left after Aishwarya's Pantuvarali as I had to get back to far away Chromepet)

[Nick H]

The name of the lady compere was not known.

I was racking my brain. I have even spoken to this lady at a couple of other recent events, without recognising her at all, but sure that my brain cells were concealing something. It's most embarrassing when this happens!

I had the opportunity to speak to her yesterday, at Sumithra's IIT Clasfest concert, and confess to my confusion

She is Lakshmi Sreeram. And yes, I have seen her concerts, both Hindustani and Carnatic, a few years ago, and also attended a Carnatic/Hindustani-differences lecdem that she gave. Possibly, the first time I saw her sing might have one of those concerts, some years back, that were organised by Cool and Co, under the Rasikas.org banner?

[Sivaramakrishnan]

Thank you Nick, for I almost guessed it right but permitted myself to wait for a clue!
Yes, I have listened to Lakshmi Sreeram handling Carnatic / Hindustani and she's good at both. The Hindustani concert was organised in Chennai by Brihadhwani a few years ago.

I know her personally too and does that indicates I have started to age?

[sriramp28]

Hello, dear rasikas. My name is Sriram, and I am a two-decade long fan of MS Amma's music, and also of the Semmangudi-MS style of singing. I had the opportunity of attending MS Amma's concert live just once in 1997. And I came as close as can be possible, to a second opportunity on 16th September 2016 when I heard Aishwarya Shrinivasan sing at the Music Academy. The following is a "concert review" of sorts that I have written.

16th September 2016 marked an important occasion for the world of Carnatic Music. 100 years ago, on this day, a star, a gemstone, an invaluable jewel was born in the town of Madurai, and Carnatic Music had much higher standards to look up to. Bharat Ratna, Sangita Kalanidhi, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Smt. M S Subbulakshmi, fondly known as Kunjamma was born, with the gift of music conferred by the Trinity themselves, it would seem. One hundred years later, the world still looks up to this standard set by MS Amma, and one hundred years later, the torch of the inimitable Semmangudi-MS style burns bright in Aishwarya and her sister Soundarya.

It was a pleasure to attend the centenary celebrations of MS Amma. Seeing TK Murthy mama, VVS Mama, a wonderful documentary, a rare photo exhibition, and a concert in typical MS Amma's style... I was wondering if MS Amma had truly come to join the celebrations herself! Taking up after the biggest name in Carnatic music is a tough task, and Aishwarya rose magnificently to the challenge. Her concert was superbly scintillating. The Panthuvarali rendition and the Shankarabharanam were very nostalgic. Overcoming the sore throat to produce magic like she did, it was as if she took us all to the United Nations General Assembly in 1966.

Opening the concert with a kriti on MS Amma composed by Prof. V V Subrahmanyam in the ragam Swarnasri, Aishwarya began her performance with MS Amma's favorite Khamas varnam Mate Malayadhwaja. She was given able support by Soundarya, who more than made up for Aishwarya's sore throat, akin to Radha Mami supporting MS Amma on stage. Initial glitches were brushed aside and Aishwarya began a resplendent Panthuvarali. Swati Tirunal's Sarasaksha Paripalaya was rendered with aplomb, and a decades-long admirer saw the distinct MS-style sangatis.

Aishwarya proceeded to a Shankarabharanam alapana and I wondered for a moment whether I was really sitting at the Music Academy, or at the United Nations General Assembly. Trademark MS-style phrases in the raga alapana attested to her firm grounding in her great-grandmother's style. I was in tears of joy when she touched the upper sthayi Panchamam, and for a moment, I saw MS Amma on stage in the form of Aishwarya. Syama Sastri's Sarojadalanetri took the spotlight of the concert. Niraval at "Samaganavinodini" and kalpana swarams complete with a kuraippu (centered around Ri-Ga-Sa-Ri-Ga, akin to MS Amma's rendition of the same song at UN), and a brisk tani on the percussions rounded off the song well. Aishwarya ended the concert with Maitreem Bhajata of Kanchi Paramacharya.

While her style represents the paddhati that she is now the frontrunner of, Aishwarya also showcased throughout the concert, facets of her own ingenuity, showing her maturity as a musician. In the years to come, we can expect to see in her, a vocalist of the same excellent standards that MS Amma represented.

She was ably supported on the violin by my Guru Dr. M Narmadha. Her tani in the alapana saw the Parur style at its best; indeed, Sarojadalanetri by MS Amma with MSG Guruji on the violin is a recording to be heard to be believed, and we saw flashes of it at this concert.

On the percussion, Sri B Sivaraman (mridangam), Papanasam Sri Sethuraman (kanjira) and Sri H Sivaramakrishnan (ghatam) displayed brilliance. The tani avarthanam was (as all percussion tani's in any MS concert) a pleasure to listen to.

In addition, like another rasika mentioned, apart from the concert, the documentary deserves a hats-off. Shrinivasan sir indeed has a rich and sonorous voice with strong timbre, especially suited for videos and documentaries. They melded well with the photos and videos, the music and the overall canvas of the documentary to produce something truly beauteous to behold. The Kanada kriti "Sreekanta" is something I've never heard before, and I had goosebumps the moment I detected the rare MS Kanada. I would love to get a copy of this song later on!

Special mention, I believe, is also necessary, of Sri Gopalkrishna Gandhi's speech; personally, of all the speeches, I found that his metaphors captured the rare phenomenon of MS Amma the best. I can only imagine Kunjamma's shy smile, should she see this iconic orator's skill at work!

My hearty congratulations to Shrinivasan sir and Aishwarya on giving rasikas such a memorable evening, taking us on a trip down memory lane, and organizing a centenary celebration that MS Amma will be proud of.

-- K Sriram Parthasarathy
(The writer is a student/researcher at IIT Madras, part-time research associate at Georgia Tech, student of Dr. M Narmadha, diehard fan of MS Amma, and now, looks forward to Aishwarya's mellifluous music.)

[arasi]

What an evening! I was concerned about the bandh. Read about Aishwarya's voice at the start of the concert in CRama's review as I started reading it (bothered again), but how Aishwarya proved once again that she's a trooper!

A memorable event it turned out to be.

Cienu,
Now, waiting for the documentary AND the photo gallery during the season. May God give you more energy to carry out all your inspired ideas, and in your keeping the concept 'vAzhaiyaDi vAzhai'--a generational thing--for all years to come

Your daughters are already doing it. May they continue their zealous pursuit in your footsteps...

[CRama]

WElcome Sriram. Your review was wonderful- right from the heart. Pl continue with more reviews. I was very much disturbed when I heard that Aiswarya's voice had some problems that day. Now when I read your review I felt happy that she could enthrall the listeners with her MS style music. Sad that I could not stay for the concert.

[cienu]

Dear C Rama, Nick, Sivaramakrishnan, Sriram and Arasi
Thank you so much for your comments and a special thanks to Varsha for the Marubalka. !
The program was a grand success. I attribute this to the blessings of my Grandmother. In spite of so many last minute hurdles she ensured the seamless conduct of proceedings from start to finish.
One interesting point in Gowri’s speech as to how MSS played the piano in Kalki Gardens while at the same time singing “Hari Tuma Haro” was very memorable.
Also Dr T K Murthy mentioned when watching the documentary to Sri Gopal Gandhi that MS Amma could play the mridangam & he has heard her play on his mridangam before a concert. He said that she could give a lovely “Chaapu” !
Sri V V Subrahmanyam mentioned that MSS treated him like her own son.

Aishwarya was not well, and her voice was badly affected. Apparently, that day, she had found it hard to talk, let alone sing. The first song showed her health clearly, and I did not think she could continue. In fact, I was concerned for the effect on her throat if she did so. However, after a couple of songs, some miracle occurred and she blossomed into full voice!

It was truly a miracle. After the second song Aishwarya called me on stage and wanted to stop the concert there. At this point Sri V V Subrahmanyam wrote a “Mantra” on a piece of paper and asked Aishwarya to recite it in her mind 5 times in her mind focusing on her throat. Vidwan Sri Suryaprakash came to the stage and suggested that Aishwarya sing Pantuvarali which would help in clearing the throat.
The rest as they say is history. I have attached a number of pictures for the rasikas to savour
The Picture Gallery is all set an hour before the scheduled time. An early visitor glances at the pictures.

Yet another array of pictures

An MSS devotee whips out his mobile to capture as many images as possible.

The program commences with Lakshmi Sreeram at the mike taking charge

Sri Gopalkrishna Gandhi lights the Kuthuvilakku

S.Aishwarya and S.Saundarya invoke their great grandmother’s blessings for the function with “Naagendra Haaraya”

Yours truly cienu commences with the Welcome Address

Smt Gowri Ramnarayan and Sri N Murali have a quick chat.

Sri N Murali inaugurates the Picture Gallery with a symbolic ribbon cutting.

Smt Lakshmi Sreeram who was the “ Master of Ceremonies” did a wonderful job.

Dr T K Murthy enjoys a lighter moment.

Sri V V Subrahmanyam is engrossed when the citation is being read out.

Vidwan Dr T K Murthy being honoured with the “Suswaralakshmi Subbulakshmi Lifetime Achievement Award” from Sri Gopalkrishna Gandhi

Vidwan Sri V V Subrahmanyam being honoured with the “Suswaralakshmi Subbulakshmi Lifetime Achievement Award” from Sri Gopalkrishna Gandhi

Both the “eyes of MSS” have something to share between themselves.

Sri Gopal Gandhi shares a thought with the mridangam Maestro

Smt Gowri Ramnarayan addresses the audience.

Cleveland Sri V V Sundaram addresses the audience

One more picture of the living legends enjoying the proceedings

Sri N Murali President of the Music Academy addresses the audience

Sri Gopalkrishna Gandhi addresses the audience

Vidwan Sri V V Subrahmanyam made a wonderful speech with interesting anecdotes.

Sri N Murali being honored by the Suswaralakshmi Foundation. All the dignitaries on stage received a memorable picture of MSS and Radha as a memento

Just before the commencement of the documentary on MSS.

The concert commences . Dr Narmadha, Sri B Sivaraman. Sri Papanasam Sethuraman and Sri H Sivaramakrishnan gave delightful support. Sri Balaji and Sri Vignesh played the Tamburas excellently.

Saundarya watches her sister Aishwarya as she sings. Her support that day was invaluable.

A picture for the archives – All 4 in MS Blue.

[HarishankarK]

Very nice photos. Thanks for the review of the function.

[CRama]

It was truly a miracle. After the second song Aishwarya called me on stage and wanted to stop the concert there. At this point Sri V V Subrahmanyam wrote a “Mantra” on a piece of paper and asked Aishwarya to recite it in her mind 5 times in her mind focusing on her throat. Vidwan Sri Suryaprakash came to the stage and suggested that Aishwarya sing Pantuvarali which would help in clearing the throat.
The rest as they say is history.

A miracle repeated. This brings to my mind the incidence before the U.N concert of MS and RV. MS voice was blocked and she was not even able to speak. Just before the concert, the prasadam from Kanchipuram came and immediately her voice opens up and the marvellous music came from her throat and that concert is unparallelled till date. Blessings of MS will be there always to guide Aiswarya in her endeavours. All the best to Aiswarya and Soundarya.

Cienu, the photos are superb.

[CRama]

Cienu,
Now, waiting for the documentary AND the photo gallery during the season.

Arasi Madam, You need not wait till Dec. The entire proceedings including the Documentary is available in you tube.
link-https://youtu.be/Z83Ez9WdnE4

[rshankar]

Cienu! Thank you for those gorgeous pictures, and recounting the story behind concert!
And finally, a big thanks for making the proceedings available for those of us less fortunate souls who were not able to attend.

[vsarmaiitm]

Could not locate the concert in the above YouTube link. Is it possible to upload ? Thank you

[pattamaa]

I saw the documentary and speech in YouTube compensating upto some extent.

VVS speech was touching when he said how MS amma fed him curd rice in his mouth like a mother. And biggest award he think when amma called him over phone after a radio recital on hearing sambho mahadeva and sloka proceeding ..saying if he played violin or she herself sang it.

Gowri was simply great as usual...missed murhy mama speech.

Aishwarya cradle ceremony video was icing on cake !

[CRama]

Murthy Mama was very much emotional and chose not to speak.

Aiswarya concert is yet to be uploaded.

[rajeshnat]

Cienu
Nice photo, instead of uploading from a digital camera and uploading into a website 400 photos and asking us to view , you curating and giving the essence is lovely. It is a joy to see especially super senior vidwan TK Murthy mama with his lovely smile . He must be possibly present to see the sixth or seventh generation of performing musician.

i thought pantuvarali is usually used to show that your throat is in top form and may be kalyani/poorvikalyani is used to indicate your throat being bit out of form . Now I know pantuvarali is also used to clear your throat and get into form. My own conclusion,this is just a funny idea . :

[cienu]

Could not locate the concert in the above YouTube link. Is it possible to upload ? Thank you

Dear vsarmaiitm

Please find below the links for:
Centenary Celebration - https://youtu.be/Z83Ez9WdnE4
Documentary - https://youtu.be/2v7ctQABlXY
Kum.S.Aishwarya concert - https://youtu.be/7of-Nva29qQ

[cienu]

The below is a 7 minute condensed version of the entire program from Kutcheri Buzz..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8aIcTnZ4QE

[Rsachi]

Thank you Cienu, I was very moved by your documentary on the legend.

[s.harinie]

Thank you Cienu Sir for the wonderful pictures. The documentary made by you has come out so well. And your baritone voice really adds weight to the video.
I am sure your Grandparents would have been delighted to see their Grandson conducting the proceedings with aplomb.
God bless your family.