Sanjay Subrahmanyam Sep 12 - Queens,NY organised by Shrutila

fuddyduddy · Post by **fuddyduddy** » 13 Sep 2008, 11:03

I have attended 2 of his concerts, one in Philly and tonite in Queens temple, NY. I still cant believe how amazing todays concert was. The highlight for me was the RTP in chandrakauns... And ofcourse Sanjay being a vivadhi specialist, Paramathmudu in Vaagadeeshwari was an enthralling experience. Below is the list. Please feel free to correct names, typos etc.

Shri Nagai Muralidharan(violin) and Shri Neyveli Venkatesh (mridhangam) did wonderfl support. Most people who frequently listen to Sanjay know that he has a wonderful rapport with Shri Nagai Muralidharan. He literally is able to follow Sanjay swara to swara!! Sanjays voice was in its best.

1. Evari Bodhana - Varnam - Abhogi
2. Shobillu Sapthaswara - Jaganmohini
3. Nannu vidachi - Reethigowla (the raaga alapanai was very melodious).
4. Satre vilagi irum pillaai - Poorvikalyani
5. Paramathmudu - Vaagadeeshwari
6. Kanukontini - Bilahari
7. Kaapaduve unadu baaram - Anandabhairavi
8. Manavyala - Nalinakanthi
9. RTP - Chandrakauns (raagamalika swaram in Hamsadwani, varali)
Pallavi : Kaa vaa vaa velava, thenpazhanimalai muruga vaa vaa velava
10. Kaa vaa vaa - Valrali. He continued the previous varali by starting off this full song in Varali. (He did the same in Philly a raagamalika ending in behag and then continuously started off with 'Aadum chidmbaramo'). Very innovative!
11. Thillai ambalathaanai govindaraajanai - Sahana (Was hoping for Oho Kaalame as soon as he started Sahana!)
12. HaridaasuluVedala - MohanaKalyani, I think.
13. Karpooram naarumo - Kamas
14. Nandatanaya Govindana something something mitaayi (preceded by a small virutham -Vasudevasutham devam) - Bageshri
15. Maavalla kaadamma - Mand
16. Mangalam

One of his best concerts that I have ever heard. The taanam in Chandrakauns was so lively that no one realized that it was quite late in the night. The concert ended at around 11PM and people would have stayed if he sang more.

If someone could post more technical details, I would really appreciate it. Hoping for Oho Kaalame in tomorrow's NJ concert!

Jigyaasa · Post by **Jigyaasa** » 13 Sep 2008, 11:21

I've heard no.11.tillai ambalattAnai being rendered in suraTi. It's a GKB composition, in praise of Lord Nataraja and Lord Vishnu. Is this song a different one?

fuddyduddy · Post by **fuddyduddy** » 13 Sep 2008, 11:25

Dunno if its the same but what he sang today was surely Sahana.

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 13 Sep 2008, 12:39

fuddyduddy wrote:12. HaridaasuluVedala - MohanaKalyani, I think.

Usually this kirthi is sung in yamunA kalyAni

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 13 Sep 2008, 14:17

Sanjay seems to have packed it in with Thyagaraja krithis this time - so different from the other concert...this is what him so special. Also seems to be on a Hindustani RTP trip again...would be great to see more of that this season!

Thanks for the lists/reports, FD - could you also let us know which items were elaborated (RNST etc.) if you can stil remember....also look forward to more reports from Sanjay's tour...

annamalai · Post by **annamalai** » 13 Sep 2008, 14:47

Last ending raga of the RTP ragamalika and the first raga of theThukkada is classic GNB.

GNB would end with Suddha Dhanyasi as the last raga in his ragamalika in his RTP and the first thukkada would be Himagiri Thanaye Hemathe ... Then the long Sloka ragamalika - Kalambodhara .....

This shows the influence of GNB on Sanjay.

No Dikshitar krithis yet ?

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 13 Sep 2008, 19:57

11: I have no theard tillai ambalattAnai in sahAnA either. SuruTTi, yes.
14: nanda tanaya gOvindana bhajisuvadAnanda vAda miTAyi--purandara dAsA.

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 13 Sep 2008, 21:42

sanjay usually sings tillai ambalattanai in Sahana (as in the charsur ksetra chidambaram release).

revanthv552 · Post by **revanthv552** » 13 Sep 2008, 22:21

Sanjay's RTPs are turning really wonderful.....
He sang the same pallavi line for his Bhagesri RTP in Hyderabad followed by Ka va va,....
He is really amazing...he has sung RTPs in Jonpuri,Patadeep,Bhagesri....and now its Chandrakauns...really astonishing

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 14 Sep 2008, 03:28

Mahavishnu,
Point taken.

s_hari · Post by **s_hari** » 14 Sep 2008, 07:32

Wow RTP !!!! Hope he also gets back to vivadi raga RTPs also, since Nagai muralidharan is accompanying him during the trip....May be a chalanata, sulini, rasikapriya etc...

-hari

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 14 Sep 2008, 07:58

True, Hari. Nagai is really a perfect match for that.
An aside about the program that CMANA sent out by post (not the one you see on their website). It has a blooper. They have juxtaposed the names of NAgai and Bhaskar who plays for Ranjani and Gaatri--so it reads as though Nagai is accompanying the sisters and not Sanjay. Some senior violinists do not accompany female artistes (two in this case!). Hope it does not bother the seasoned vidvAn to seethis in print...

Vocalist · Post by **Vocalist** » 14 Sep 2008, 11:38

I'm surprised I didn't hear any comments on the choice of RTP by arasi...

I think Anandabhairavi comp is by Papanasam Sivan? I remember seeing the words, but can't remember listening to it....

annamalai · Post by **annamalai** » 14 Sep 2008, 13:44

Kappathuve Unadhu - Ananandha Bhairavi is a composition of Tanjavur Ponnaiah Pillai.

TM Thyagarajan and Rama Ravi sing this krithi.

sureshvv · Post by **sureshvv** » 14 Sep 2008, 13:46

Tanjore K.P.Sivanandam, I think

sureshvv · Post by **sureshvv** » 14 Sep 2008, 13:50

Smt. Gayathri Venkatraghavan sang this yesterday at Krishna Gana Sabha as part of an enthralling 3+ hour concert - that consisted of an RTP in Kharaharapriya.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 14 Sep 2008, 21:28

Vocalist,
Sanjay's RTPs are in a way, concerts on their own, whether he sings gAnamUrti or sankarAbharaNam. I enjoy listening to them and in a few concerts where he skipped one because of limited time, for instance, I have walked away a bit disappointed because his RTPs are as a rule, outstanding.
I suppose the editor part of me and my love for tamizh songs make me zero in on correcting the song lines first:)

gn.sn42 · Post by **gn.sn42** » 14 Sep 2008, 21:51

arasi wrote:Some senior violinists do not accompany female artistes

Shame on them!

arasi wrote:Hope it does not bother the seasoned vidvAn

I'm not concerned about the "seasoned vidvan" - their insult to female artistes should bother society at large.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 15 Sep 2008, 03:49

gn.sn,
Being female of the species and wanting both society (as you state) and the music world to change for the better, I agree with you wholeheartedly.
I can understand their wanting to accompany someone whose music has merit, to match their own skills, but to refuse to play for a vidUshi because she is a woman is a different thing altogether.
Let us applaud those who do. A few names which come to my mind straight away: Ramabhadran, Mannargudi Easwaran, Parur Anantaraman, Chandrashekar...
By the way, I do not know if Nagai accompanies female vocalists. I wasn't sure, that's all...

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 15 Sep 2008, 06:49

VVS also used to accompany MS frequently. I wonder what is so degrading to accompany a woman. It would 've been anybody's tremendous privilege to accompany MSS, MLV, etc.

PUNARVASU · Post by **PUNARVASU** » 15 Sep 2008, 07:16

I was thinking that, because of the high sruthi of the lady artists, the sound of the violin(in that sruthi) was not very appealing to the ears and this may be one of the reasons.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 15 Sep 2008, 08:00

Punarvasu,
One of the reasons (excuses)? Yes

May be we need another thread to discuss this--away from a concert review thread. And about female accompanists playing for male singers too. T.Rukmini played for Mali. In his later years, PMI accompanied MLV.
I am happy to see that the younger generation has no qualms in this area, including a woman mrudangam player accompanying a male vocalist...

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 15 Sep 2008, 20:48

PMI accompanied DKP also voluntarily AT HIS OWN REQUEST. In my mind there is none- male or female- in at least the twentieth century in our music at a higher LEVEL OF COMPETENCE & ACCOMPLISHMENT. vkv

Lakshman · Post by **Lakshman** » 20 Sep 2008, 02:20

kAppaduvE unadu bhAram is a composition of Shivanandam of Tanjavur Quartette.

sangeetham_srinivasan · Post by **sangeetham_srinivasan** » 20 Sep 2008, 11:57

Dear All,

This is to request you all to get the list of queries clarified.

1) How to get the list of Kutcheri's that happens in U.S and the cities.
2) Do we have any ways to listen to those Kutcheri's by Webconference. Say for example, I am in Houston, TX and would like to listen to Mr.Sanjay Subramanyan's concert at NJ or PH?

Looking forward to any suggestions.

Thanks & Regards,
Srini.

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 20 Sep 2008, 15:31

Why can't someone do for the US what Ram is doing for Chennai?!!

Anyway Sirni, check out Sanjay's blog - sanjaysub.blogspot.com for details on his concert tour. Most of the top artistes, especially younger ones, are also increasingly updating their websites. A lot of tours to the US are currently on so it may be a good idea to pay a visit to your favourite artistes' websites...

manikand28 · Post by **manikand28** » 20 Sep 2008, 18:13

sangeetham_srinivasan wrote:2) Do we have any ways to listen to those Kutcheri's by Webconference. Say for example, I am in Houston, TX and would like to listen to Mr.Sanjay Subramanyan's concert at NJ or PH?

At least I know in California bay area, all kutcheris are organized by SIFA http://www.southindiafinearts.org/ and their website details all events. I do not think they will broadcast at all as they charge $50 for front row seats and $20 for back seats per person. I feel it is a big high end for a family of 4, it comes to $ 200 or $80. They have memberships too, but it is also outrageously expensive some 400+ dollars per person per year. And not all concerts are free either for members.

The price has been putting me off from going with family, but maybe it is warranted. Rasikas, please say how much you paif in NY for Sanjay's concert. I heard from my friend in LA prices are not this high and SIFA usually charges high

manikand28 · Post by **manikand28** » 20 Sep 2008, 18:15

manikand28 wrote:
sangeetham_srinivasan wrote:2) Do we have any ways to listen to those Kutcheri's by Webconference. Say for example, I am in Houston, TX and would like to listen to Mr.Sanjay Subramanyan's concert at NJ or PH?
At least I know in California bay area, all kutcheris are organized by SIFA http://www.southindiafinearts.org/ and their website details all events. I do not think they will broadcast at all as they charge $50 for front row seats and $20 for back seats per person. I feel it is a big high end for a family of 4, it comes to $ 200 or $80. They have memberships too, but it is also outrageously expensive some 400+ dollars per person per year. And not all concerts are free either for members.

The price has been putting me off from going with family, but maybe it is warranted. Rasikas, please say how much you paid in NY for Sanjay's concert. I heard from my friend in LA prices are not this high and SIFA usually charges high

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 20 Sep 2008, 21:04

The trouble of getting to a concert venue, and having to pay the price can easily be dispensed with, by buying the concert CDs from the organizations. Most of them offer this facility. You can listen to the concerts at home, any time you want to.
This is a good time to request the organizations to be prompt in sending the CDS. I do realize that it is a service of devotion to music on their part, spending the time to record, but months of waiting is a bit trying! Some are very prompt, I must add...

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 20 Sep 2008, 22:24

CDs may be cheap/convenient but really nothing like being there...the focus is simply not there when one is reading/on the comp while listening...like right now!

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 20 Sep 2008, 22:26

Having said that, it is still a great idea to release CDs after the concert/put it up online for those who could not make - wish some Indian sabhas followed this example

fuddyduddy · Post by **fuddyduddy** » 21 Sep 2008, 00:37

and it will be so useful if we can get the whole december season live-casted or available for download? I can vouch that tons of people will download and watch it!! i know its not an easy effort but wish it happens.

sangeetham_srinivasan · Post by **sangeetham_srinivasan** » 21 Sep 2008, 11:30

vijay wrote:Why can't someone do for the US what Ram is doing for Chennai?!!

Anyway Sirni, check out Sanjay's blog - sanjaysub.blogspot.com for details on his concert tour. Most of the top artistes, especially younger ones, are also increasingly updating their websites. A lot of tours to the US are currently on so it may be a good idea to pay a visit to your favourite artistes' websites...

Hi Vijay,

Thanks a lot for your suggestions. I will definitely will keep a track on his Blogspot(Sanjay's).

Thanks again for your valuable update.

Regards,
Srini.

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 21 Sep 2008, 12:03

You're welcome Srini - happy listening..

shripathi_g · Post by **shripathi_g** » 22 Sep 2008, 02:32

manikand28 wrote:At least I know in California bay area, all kutcheris are organized by SIFA http://www.southindiafinearts.org/ and their website details all events. I do not think they will broadcast at all as they charge $50 for front row seats and $20 for back seats per person. I feel it is a big high end for a family of 4, it comes to $ 200 or $80. They have memberships too, but it is also outrageously expensive some 400+ dollars per person per year. And not all concerts are free either for members.

The price has been putting me off from going with family, but maybe it is warranted. Rasikas, please say how much you paif in NY for Sanjay's concert. I heard from my friend in LA prices are not this high and SIFA usually charges high

The cost is around 400 dollars for a family of four. Individual memberships are around $150. It's definitely worth the money if you attend a lot of concerts.

sridhar · Post by **sridhar** » 23 Sep 2008, 23:01

These prices are not way out of line. In NJ it is usually $15 advance purchase and $20 at the door for most concerts. But I think they will let children in free of charge. But the Balaji temple hall where most concerts used to be held was too small with less then adequate view of the stage. I liked the Rutgers Hall where the last two concerts were held. I hope they conduct all future concerts there (or similar halls).

manikand28 wrote:
sangeetham_srinivasan wrote:2) Do we have any ways to listen to those Kutcheri's by Webconference. Say for example, I am in Houston, TX and would like to listen to Mr.Sanjay Subramanyan's concert at NJ or PH?
At least I know in California bay area, all kutcheris are organized by SIFA http://www.southindiafinearts.org/ and their website details all events. I do not think they will broadcast at all as they charge $50 for front row seats and $20 for back seats per person. I feel it is a big high end for a family of 4, it comes to $ 200 or $80. They have memberships too, but it is also outrageously expensive some 400+ dollars per person per year. And not all concerts are free either for members.

The price has been putting me off from going with family, but maybe it is warranted. Rasikas, please say how much you paif in NY for Sanjay's concert. I heard from my friend in LA prices are not this high and SIFA usually charges high

ShrutiLaya · Post by **ShrutiLaya** » 25 Sep 2008, 06:41

manikand28 wrote:The price has been putting me off from going with family, but maybe it is warranted. Rasikas, please say how much you paif in NY for Sanjay's concert. I heard from my friend in LA prices are not this high and SIFA usually charges high

The New York concert was organized by Shruti Laya, a new sabha we formed just this year. I think I can confidently say that we have the most generous pricing structure in the US sabhas, atleast the ones I know about.

Membership costs $50 per person, or $75 per couple. This includes free admission to 4 major concerts a year. This year, these have been TM Krishna, Seshachary, Sanjay Subrahmanyan and Ranjani Gayatri. At the gate, tickets are $15 general and $10 for seniors. One of Shruti Laya's main goals is to encourage children to learn and like carnatic music. Children 18 and under are admitted free to ALL Shruti Laya programs.

We have another concert by Ravikiran accompanied by three young artists from the US on Oct.19. With early bird discounts, member admission is only $15. Please visit http://www.shrutilaya.org for further details.

So if you are within driving distance of New York City, please join and avail yourself of this great bargain!

Sreenadh Jonnavithula, Director

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 25 Sep 2008, 07:54

With grocery prices going up, your 'early bird special' for quality CM sounds like a bargain!
Seriously, unless prices are sky high, I don't think we should complain (ask us old timers who deemed that a live concert was worth driving hundreds of miles to--wish we could do that now--was worth chipping in generously to pay the artistes so that we could listen to a real 'cuchEri' and not to reel-to-reel tapes at home in the early years and cassettes in the car as years went by. We took a dish with us as well to feed the small crowd, in the good old days.
Today, when you consider the amount you spend on eating out, the musical fare is worth your money.
Shrutilaya,
You have the right idea in making it free for children (the quiet variety, who come to listen to the music, of course). It is something other sabhAs can emulate...

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 25 Sep 2008, 11:10

Sreenadh: Seshachary - did you mean the Hyd Bros or did Seshachary perform solo?

ShrutiLaya · Post by **ShrutiLaya** » 25 Sep 2008, 16:02

vijay wrote:Sreenadh: Seshachary - did you mean the Hyd Bros or did Seshachary perform solo?

Yes, it was Darur Seshachary of the Hyderabad brothers, and he performed solo ..

-Sreenadh

prashant · Post by **prashant** » 25 Sep 2008, 16:22

vijay wrote:Sreenadh: Seshachary - did you mean the Hyd Bros or did Seshachary perform solo?

Aren't these the same thing?

.

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 25 Sep 2008, 17:43

Heh Heh! I am still a big fan - despite all the criticisms - younger dominates, holds mike like a rock star, throws in a bit of kathakali, etc. etc...and the songlists can be repetitive too...but there's just so much class and intellect in their music that it's worth overlooking the little things...

BTW this is time first time I am hearing a reference to their native place....no wonder I find their music so intoxicating!

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 25 Sep 2008, 18:32

vijay wrote:BTW this is time first time I am hearing a reference to their native place....no wonder I find their music so intoxicating!

Vijay,

Reminds me of Sri Harvansrai Bacchan's collection of 'madhuSAlA', especially this one - suitably modified:

bhAvukata angUr latA sE khInc kalpanA hI hAlA,
kavi (gAyak) sAkI bankar AyA hai bharkar kavitA (gAnE) kA pyAlA,
kabhI na kaNbhar khAlI hOgA lAkh piyEn dO lAkh piyEn,
pAThakgaN (rasikgaN) hai pInEvAlE pustak (gAyan) mErI madhuSAlA ||

The words in parentheses are mine, to make it more appropriate for the topic under discussion....

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 25 Sep 2008, 20:12

Ravi,
The madhuSAlA came to mind, but you brought it home--apnE kalpanA sE saj sajAkE...

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 25 Sep 2008, 20:40