Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar
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I had posted the short RTP in Bhairavi (under RTP thread), rendered by Chembai. Here are the links for the entire live concert:
http://rapidshare.de/files/14971999/05- ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/14972139/04- ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/14972230/03- ... o.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/14972384/02- ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/14972436/01- ... a.mp3.html
I would request Srkris to give us details of the accompanying artists.
Kaumaaram
http://rapidshare.de/files/14971999/05- ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/14972139/04- ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/14972230/03- ... o.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/14972384/02- ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/14972436/01- ... a.mp3.html
I would request Srkris to give us details of the accompanying artists.
Kaumaaram
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and the best offer is by Srkris
Once
Twice
Thrice.
And the LP is sold to Ramakrishnan..(who else !)
Congrats Srkris.
BTW I wonder if you have noticed that these recording companies have started marketing the LP versions on CDs .The CD box is a big one ,made to look like a LP cover with all the details of the Recording , date other details.Some kind of a collectors version.
I saw these at Music world last week.
Once
Twice
Thrice.
And the LP is sold to Ramakrishnan..(who else !)
Congrats Srkris.
BTW I wonder if you have noticed that these recording companies have started marketing the LP versions on CDs .The CD box is a big one ,made to look like a LP cover with all the details of the Recording , date other details.Some kind of a collectors version.
I saw these at Music world last week.
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Coolkarniji,
No, fortunately or unfortunately, I am not a bidder.
BTW, see this http://www.hindu.com/2005/09/02/stories ... 690200.htm
I havent seen them (the big packs which you mention containing LP recordings released on CD). Did you see them in MW at Spencer Plaza?
No, fortunately or unfortunately, I am not a bidder.
BTW, see this http://www.hindu.com/2005/09/02/stories ... 690200.htm
I havent seen them (the big packs which you mention containing LP recordings released on CD). Did you see them in MW at Spencer Plaza?
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And it is time that you listened to Chembai's 1972 Madras Vijayadasami Concert :
http://rapidshare.de/files/15140636/Info.txt.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15140777/13. ... m.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15140957/12. ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15141176/11. ... m.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15141582/10. ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15141641/09. ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15141750/08. ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15142154/06. ... m.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15142024/07. ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15143305/04. ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15144361/03. ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15146067/02. ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15147710/01. ... a.mp3.html
Song 5 is a big file that will be uploaded separately. Chembai, in his inimitable style, provokes laughter by passing comments in the beginning and in the end. Similarly he encourages the violnist by saying "that is how you should play". I would request Srkris to kindly reproduce these comments for the benefit of the members.
Kaumaaram
http://rapidshare.de/files/15140636/Info.txt.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15140777/13. ... m.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15140957/12. ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15141176/11. ... m.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15141582/10. ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15141641/09. ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15141750/08. ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15142154/06. ... m.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15142024/07. ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15143305/04. ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15144361/03. ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15146067/02. ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15147710/01. ... a.mp3.html
Song 5 is a big file that will be uploaded separately. Chembai, in his inimitable style, provokes laughter by passing comments in the beginning and in the end. Similarly he encourages the violnist by saying "that is how you should play". I would request Srkris to kindly reproduce these comments for the benefit of the members.
Kaumaaram
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- Joined: 14 Oct 2005, 17:38
Thanks a ton Srkris. I picked up certain concerts from my friend in mp3 format and was not aware that this was a commercial recording. I have deleted the links in line with the objectives and rules of the forum.The violinist and mridangist are most probably MSG and TVG. I dont think there is any ghatam or morsing.
It is a commercial recording, by the way.
Kaumaaram
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The Chembai staple Karuna_Cheivan is nicely rendered once again. I guess there are a few songs that Chembai has made his own. Is it because he had unearthed them and after his stamp on it with his unique style, no one dared to touch it for fear of not measuring up to Chembai? I am listening to Karuna_Cheivan after quite a long time and what a refreshing song it is in the hands of Chembai and Co. I have few songs that do something to me at a deep enough place in me which is hard to describe and this song is one of them.
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Let me pretend to be scholarly here...
Gumpita gamakam:
Belongs to vocal music and is called Humpita by Govinda Dhikshtar. It is a two dimensional gamaka indicating both an upward and a downward movement. Eg. A note of a siren.
I have not listened to the Chembai piece that CML pointed to ( I soon will ) but does the effect chembai produces match the above definition.
Gumpita gamakam:
Belongs to vocal music and is called Humpita by Govinda Dhikshtar. It is a two dimensional gamaka indicating both an upward and a downward movement. Eg. A note of a siren.
I have not listened to the Chembai piece that CML pointed to ( I soon will ) but does the effect chembai produces match the above definition.
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Chembai-MSG-TVG live
http://rapidshare.de/files/15454959/05a ... k.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455040/05b ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455140/06. ... r.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455236/07. ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455308/08. ... m.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455395/09. ... _.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455423/10. ... _.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455457/11. ... _.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455785/13. ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455832/14. ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455888/15. ... -.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455916/16. ... a.mp3.html
Will upload the rest one by one.
Kaumaaram
http://rapidshare.de/files/15454959/05a ... k.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455040/05b ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455140/06. ... r.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455236/07. ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455308/08. ... m.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455395/09. ... _.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455423/10. ... _.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455457/11. ... _.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455785/13. ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455832/14. ... i.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455888/15. ... -.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15455916/16. ... a.mp3.html
Will upload the rest one by one.
Kaumaaram
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Meena... the disc image above says the ragamalika starts as "Venimuley..."
Here is the recording http://gente.chueca.com/recordsunlim3/broadcast.mp3
Here is the recording http://gente.chueca.com/recordsunlim3/broadcast.mp3
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Meena: No need to wait anymore: Here are the balance songs:
http://rapidshare.de/files/15539398/04b ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15539718/04a ... m.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15539871/03. ... r.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15540108/02b ... r.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15541261/02a ... m.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15541386/01. ... a.mp3.html
Srkris: I am in the waiting list along with CML for VeNImoolae - complete. Thanx.
Kaumaaram
http://rapidshare.de/files/15539398/04b ... a.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15539718/04a ... m.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15539871/03. ... r.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15540108/02b ... r.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15541261/02a ... m.mp3.html
http://rapidshare.de/files/15541386/01. ... a.mp3.html
Srkris: I am in the waiting list along with CML for VeNImoolae - complete. Thanx.
Kaumaaram
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Guruji,wrong message posted here
Yes, but it is incidental and remotely related (in a typical lawyer's language)!
CML/Srkris: Thanks a ton.
All,
The track containing the "kolapureswari" rendered by Chembai is a composition of Seetharama Sastry and NOT otherwise as mentioned in the track of the AIR concert. Similarly,the raga for the song "Tripurasundari" is Amruthavarshini and NOT Sunadhavinodhini. Regret inconvenience.
Kaumaaram
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I am a bit nervous about asking this question since it is about CVB alapana, so I would like to add a disclaimer that I am a huge fan of CVB.
OK, here it is. I was listening to the thodi alapana in
03. Amba Nathu - Thodi - Adi - Pallavi Gopala Iyer.mp3
that was part of the CVB-MSG-TVG-TN Balappa-Dholak concert.
That alapana sounded different from other 'typical' thodi alapanas. I sensed Thodi for sure but it had several passages that I could not tightly associate with thodi. This is mostly due to my narrow scope in knowledge of the entire spectrum of Thodi. I am curious if others hear it that way and would like to learn from others in general about Chembai's conception of Thodi and other ragas in alapanas.
OK, here it is. I was listening to the thodi alapana in
03. Amba Nathu - Thodi - Adi - Pallavi Gopala Iyer.mp3
that was part of the CVB-MSG-TVG-TN Balappa-Dholak concert.
That alapana sounded different from other 'typical' thodi alapanas. I sensed Thodi for sure but it had several passages that I could not tightly associate with thodi. This is mostly due to my narrow scope in knowledge of the entire spectrum of Thodi. I am curious if others hear it that way and would like to learn from others in general about Chembai's conception of Thodi and other ragas in alapanas.
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VK,
The rendition was indeed cardinally different from other forms. The reason in my estimate is that Chembai has adopted an instrumental style of rendering it (as opposed to a vocalist style). There are certain nuances that an instrumentalist could deliver which a vocalist cannot (for instance due to limitations relating to speed, depth, sound, frequency, longevity of tone, etc). Chembai, by virtue of his mastery over the instrument, Violin, must have adopted his imaginative prayagoms on the violin to be manifested in his vocal rendition. That I believe, must have given you a different perception. But then, as you rightly maintained, it is indeed Todi and nothing but Todi.
I also notice that Chembai has been innovative in many areas - choosing rare compositions, encouraging new composers, singing kalpana swaras with ease on rare ragas like karnataka devagandhari, karnataka kapi, etc. He must have been a rebellious militant trying to break traditions by innovations and creativity. It drives home the point that those who have not learnt under Chembai had possibly missed something in their lives. [You can also say that the elimination process is based on the law of averages - not all have had the opportunity to enter and study in the sprawling campuses of IITs, IIMs, etc].
Since the instruments have a definite advantage on certain counts as stated above, if you really want to understand the unique prayoga in this raag, I commend that you listen to TNK's rendition of RTP in this raag. You will also notice that this artist, by virtue of being an accompanist to almost all the masters of carnatic music, makes a complete journey adopting all the styles, viz., chembai, ariyakudi, gnb, semmangudi and so on.
Kaumaaram
The rendition was indeed cardinally different from other forms. The reason in my estimate is that Chembai has adopted an instrumental style of rendering it (as opposed to a vocalist style). There are certain nuances that an instrumentalist could deliver which a vocalist cannot (for instance due to limitations relating to speed, depth, sound, frequency, longevity of tone, etc). Chembai, by virtue of his mastery over the instrument, Violin, must have adopted his imaginative prayagoms on the violin to be manifested in his vocal rendition. That I believe, must have given you a different perception. But then, as you rightly maintained, it is indeed Todi and nothing but Todi.
I also notice that Chembai has been innovative in many areas - choosing rare compositions, encouraging new composers, singing kalpana swaras with ease on rare ragas like karnataka devagandhari, karnataka kapi, etc. He must have been a rebellious militant trying to break traditions by innovations and creativity. It drives home the point that those who have not learnt under Chembai had possibly missed something in their lives. [You can also say that the elimination process is based on the law of averages - not all have had the opportunity to enter and study in the sprawling campuses of IITs, IIMs, etc].
Since the instruments have a definite advantage on certain counts as stated above, if you really want to understand the unique prayoga in this raag, I commend that you listen to TNK's rendition of RTP in this raag. You will also notice that this artist, by virtue of being an accompanist to almost all the masters of carnatic music, makes a complete journey adopting all the styles, viz., chembai, ariyakudi, gnb, semmangudi and so on.
Kaumaaram
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VK,
Kaumaaram is right that Chembai sometimes tries to bring in the complexities of instrumental music into vocal singing.
In the Shanmukhananda Hall concert with Anantharaman and Raghu (in 1964 I think, though wrongly documented as 1966) please listen to the Pantuvarali alapana. He constantly challenges Anantharaman and prods him to try newer phrases, all the while himself demonstrating vocally how he wants it to be done.
In the miniature Bhairavi RTP (8mins RTP), listen to the Tanam. Picturise how it will be played on the veena... (he sings it like how a tanam is played on a veena). I am of the impression that he always sings songs by following the method followed by vainikas... you can observe this best in tanams, although if you closely observe the way he elongates certain phrasings, it is clear that he always uses the veena bani as his base, even while singing kritis and swaras.
My two cents...
Kaumaaram is right that Chembai sometimes tries to bring in the complexities of instrumental music into vocal singing.
In the Shanmukhananda Hall concert with Anantharaman and Raghu (in 1964 I think, though wrongly documented as 1966) please listen to the Pantuvarali alapana. He constantly challenges Anantharaman and prods him to try newer phrases, all the while himself demonstrating vocally how he wants it to be done.
In the miniature Bhairavi RTP (8mins RTP), listen to the Tanam. Picturise how it will be played on the veena... (he sings it like how a tanam is played on a veena). I am of the impression that he always sings songs by following the method followed by vainikas... you can observe this best in tanams, although if you closely observe the way he elongates certain phrasings, it is clear that he always uses the veena bani as his base, even while singing kritis and swaras.
My two cents...
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kaumaaram, srkris:
Thanks for the insights. I did not know those aspects and at that level of detail and so your replies have been very educational for me. I went back and listened to it and I am beginning to see what you two are getting at.
I will pay attention to that side of Chembai's alapanas. The particular place in the alapana where I perceived Chembai's todi to be a bit different is when he sings with his mouth closed ( 'hum'pita gamaka, borrowing Meenaji's joke ).
In addition, usually, the violinist has a different take on the alapana in the beginning when playing along side the vocalist, extending or completing the vocalist's thoughts, right? But in the Todi piece under discussion, I am now noticing that MSG does not stray too far away from Chembai's alapana, pretty closely reproducing Chembai's. From what you have written, if Chembai is using the instrumentalists' bag of tricks, MSG probably figured to just go along with Chembai. But when MSG gets his turn, he does his own thing as usual.
Thanks.
Thanks for the insights. I did not know those aspects and at that level of detail and so your replies have been very educational for me. I went back and listened to it and I am beginning to see what you two are getting at.
I will pay attention to that side of Chembai's alapanas. The particular place in the alapana where I perceived Chembai's todi to be a bit different is when he sings with his mouth closed ( 'hum'pita gamaka, borrowing Meenaji's joke ).
In addition, usually, the violinist has a different take on the alapana in the beginning when playing along side the vocalist, extending or completing the vocalist's thoughts, right? But in the Todi piece under discussion, I am now noticing that MSG does not stray too far away from Chembai's alapana, pretty closely reproducing Chembai's. From what you have written, if Chembai is using the instrumentalists' bag of tricks, MSG probably figured to just go along with Chembai. But when MSG gets his turn, he does his own thing as usual.
Thanks.
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We have been talking about the alapana of that Thodi piece, but I need to say a few words about the 'Amba Nathu..' performance itself. It is just brilliant. It is a very dynamic rendition, and soaked in classicism. The thodi gamaka with the wide oscillations within the correct upper and lower bound when sung in a full throated and uninhibited manner of Chembai is a great treat.
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vk
the humpita gamaka is no joke!!!
i was/am serious ,when cml mentioned 'pure anusvara aalapana of the raga-special feature of chembai' .
and pl vk u too can just call me meena thanks
Chembai
for past few weeks/mths "THE chembai site" is down, can't access any page i get- '404 error message' and
'The requested URL /carnatic/chembai/newsevents.html was not found on this server'.
the humpita gamaka is no joke!!!
i was/am serious ,when cml mentioned 'pure anusvara aalapana of the raga-special feature of chembai' .
and pl vk u too can just call me meena thanks
Chembai
for past few weeks/mths "THE chembai site" is down, can't access any page i get- '404 error message' and
'The requested URL /carnatic/chembai/newsevents.html was not found on this server'.
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Meena,
OK, no pun intended then You were probably referring to another aspect of Chembai gamakam as opposed to the 'humming' like thing he does.
Actually I tried this 'hum'pita pun to a fellow CM friend ( who even knows what a Mudrita gamaka means without referring to the books ). It took him a few seconds to get it and had a hearty laugh after that. So, the horse is out of the barn..
Just to set the record straight... I am referring to Chembai's singing with the closed mouth as 'hum'pita. The official name for that gamaka is Mudrita. ( hope I did not mudrita the waters, oh I mean..muddy the waters too much )
OK, no pun intended then You were probably referring to another aspect of Chembai gamakam as opposed to the 'humming' like thing he does.
Actually I tried this 'hum'pita pun to a fellow CM friend ( who even knows what a Mudrita gamaka means without referring to the books ). It took him a few seconds to get it and had a hearty laugh after that. So, the horse is out of the barn..
Just to set the record straight... I am referring to Chembai's singing with the closed mouth as 'hum'pita. The official name for that gamaka is Mudrita. ( hope I did not mudrita the waters, oh I mean..muddy the waters too much )
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The listings are:
Vol 1: Sarasinjanabha - Varnam - Kambhoji
Vatapi - Hamsadwani
Vol 2: Samagana Vinodhini - Hamasanandhi
Para Mukha Melara - Suruti
Madhava Mamava - Neelamabari
Sarasamula - Kafi
Vol 3: Ramaneeyada - Karaharapriya
Thillana - Chenchurti
Vocal Support: Jaya Vijaya; others not indicated. Recorded at Srikanteeswaran Temple, Trivandrum on 20th Feb 1969.
Kaumaaram
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I was listening to a Chembai performance of Subramanyaya ( Kambhoji ). The filename I have is 04-Chembai-Lalgudi-Subramanyaya.MP3. I think this was posted by coolkarniji in the Lalgudi tribute series. It is an excellent piece though it is not complete. Does anyone have a link to the full performance of this song by Chembai ( either this instance or another )?
vk
will check up later today.
Just returned from a whirlwind tour of karnataka.
had the pleasure of meeting / talking to a few forum members .
Mysore Narahari
(where i went in search of Mysore based concerts)
Bangalore - Darshan ,
Harikesa (who hosted me for a night)
Rajasekhar (who was at my side right through my stay in
bangalore-
Boy ! His hospitality is beyond words!!)
and of course
Our "Composers Home" in Malleswaram.
will check up later today.
Just returned from a whirlwind tour of karnataka.
had the pleasure of meeting / talking to a few forum members .
Mysore Narahari
(where i went in search of Mysore based concerts)
Bangalore - Darshan ,
Harikesa (who hosted me for a night)
Rajasekhar (who was at my side right through my stay in
bangalore-
Boy ! His hospitality is beyond words!!)
and of course
Our "Composers Home" in Malleswaram.
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Ha Ha
While we get the cybersweets in the land of the virtual reality You get the real ones too! You sure would have told his parents how high we regard his scholarship and contributions and they should be legitimately proud of their offspring. VaLLuvar neatly summarizes:
"makan thanthaikku aaRRumuthavi ivan thanthai
ennORRaankol enum chol"
(the highest compliment a son/daughter can ever give to his/her parents is the saying from folks 'how much puNyam they must have done to get an issue like this')
While we get the cybersweets in the land of the virtual reality You get the real ones too! You sure would have told his parents how high we regard his scholarship and contributions and they should be legitimately proud of their offspring. VaLLuvar neatly summarizes:
"makan thanthaikku aaRRumuthavi ivan thanthai
ennORRaankol enum chol"
(the highest compliment a son/daughter can ever give to his/her parents is the saying from folks 'how much puNyam they must have done to get an issue like this')