Madurai T N Seshagopalan ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œ Music Academy - 15.12.09

saptaratna · Post by **saptaratna** » 15 Dec 2009, 23:59

Sangita Kalanidhi Madurai T.N.Seshagopalan -Vocal
Sangita Kalanidhi M .Chandrasekharan - Violin
Sangita Kalanidhi - Vellore Ramabhadran - Mridangam
Sri . T. V. Vasan - Ghatam

Song List :

1. Vanajakshi - Varnam - Ata Tala - Swaras at the charanam line
2. Sri Maha Ganapatiravatumam - Misra Chapu- MD - R, S
3. Marivere dikevarayya Rama - Adi - PS - S
4. Sri Subramanyaya Namaste - Tisra Ekam - MD - R, N,S
5. RTP - Subhapantuvarali - Khanda Triputa
6. Eru mayileri - ragamalika - Tirupugazh
7. Mangalam followed by Sloka Sriyah Kaantaya - Sri

Not withstanding the torrential rains outside, the rasikas in Music Academy, who braved to come to the concert, were soaked in "Gaana Mazhai"

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 16 Dec 2009, 07:39

[quote="saptaratna"]
The RTP in Subhapantuvarali ( composed by TNS and dedicated in honour of the Sangita Kalanidhi designate Sri Valayapatti Subramanian) was a short and quick one , however , with all the ornamentation required for a true genius pallavi. The line was brilliantly composed in Khanda Triputa (atheetha eduppu) as "laya, sulaya, sukhalaya, subramanya, sangita kalanidhe"

saptaratna · Post by **saptaratna** » 16 Dec 2009, 07:44

Su laya means = good laya, good in laya, laya that is good to the ears.

appu · Post by **appu** » 16 Dec 2009, 11:07

I braved the rain and attended the concert. I was there for the speeches etc. At the end of the inauguration at about 6:30 PM the thing that caught my eye was the exodus of the dignitaries and the vidwans. The artists made a bee line to the door led by Shri TN. Krishnan, followed by Gurvayur Dorai, Trichy Shankaran, Trichur Ramachandran and others. Of course none of them came back and it seemed there attendance to the inauguration was a mere formality.

The auditorium was about a third full. The only dignitaries in attendance were Shri Valayapatti and the chief guest Shri Vishwanathan Anand. Towards the end of piece 2 Ravikiran strolled in searching for someone and sat through the concert.

In regards to the concert, let me try to paint a picture of the stage. We had the six artists (fifth being the vocal accompaniment to Shri TNS and sixth being the tambura artist). In addition there were three more people on stage, (a coffee or hot water handler, a kid who was a sixth wheel, had nothing to do and one young lad who sat behind Shri MC tending to his needs.

When any one is on stage, they should be trained to respect the stage and the audience and most importantly the performing artist. The coffee or hot water handler was a serious distraction as he was holding a conversation repeatedly with either TV Vasan or the kid vocalist and laughing and giggling on stage. Such people have no right to be on stage and should be fired. If at all any lesson has to be learned here maintain a decorum the way the gentleman behind MC attended to the violinist.

In terms of the review by Saptaratna, I am in complete agreement with the review except one. This was by far one of the better TNS concert I have attended (replete with all bhavam, shruti shuddam etc)

Per saptaratna "Sri Vellore Ramabhadran on the mridangam was far too sedate . T V Vasan on the ghatam shadowed briskly with ample ease and added to the percussion value of the concert."

I was sitting in the center of the auditorium, and felt Shri Ramabhadran was by far at his best. The nadam and the anticipation was just uncanny. He followed TNS like a shadow. On the other hand the ghatam was inaudible and also, I got the feeling that the ghatam artist was seriously bored. His stage presence was very callous and indifferent. An occasional peratal on the ghatam was all I heard. The tani avartanam began on thisra nadai where TNS left and was played with a lot of exuberance by VR. If TV Vasan had only shared a tenth of Shri Ramabhadrans excitement this concert would have reached another level. Of course this is one person's view. Lastly the Khambhoji was exactly an hour and 8 mins including the tani.

rajaglan · Post by **rajaglan** » 16 Dec 2009, 12:21

A short song list is one that I like in any concert. Enough time for neravals and alapana is possible.

Shanmugapriya (marevere), : I have an old video recording of it by TNS in National integration council program by DD in late 80s
with sunnuthanga neraval and the video captured rasikas mesmerised and with tears and fellow vidwans sitting below nodding
heads to the neraval of TNS in a most superb form is still a unforgettable scene for me.

I have never heard subrammanyaya namaste from TNS. I hope one day MA will become more open (like Linux) and release
the audio/video with decent price.

I have heard subapantuvarali from TNS and many artist several times. Is this the raga for this season.
Thank you for both the reviews and later one focussing on the thala and soft issues like stage manners.
I agree on that and these things are distraction that can be avoided.

ganeshkant · Post by **ganeshkant** » 16 Dec 2009, 12:46

A great concert.

The picks were neraval @ sannutangashreevenkatesa..The entire kambodi section,thanam where the voice sounded just like veenai,swaramaligai that followed.

Left a lasting impression.

108talas · Post by **108talas** » 16 Dec 2009, 13:18

laya, sulaya, sukhalaya, subramanya, sangita kalanidhe"

Member_First · Post by **Member_First** » 16 Dec 2009, 13:27

(Some thing spicy & chilly)

When Dr BMK had sung a rAg/pallavi in favour of JJ 5 years back, BMK's presentation was critically discussed about. TNS is better to link up pallavi lyrics wtih Lord Subramanya.

shyamala3091 · Post by **shyamala3091** » 16 Dec 2009, 13:42

appu wrote:

In regards to the concert, let me try to paint a picture of the stage. We had the six artists (fifth being the vocal accompaniment to Shri TNS and sixth being the tambura artist). In addition there were three more people on stage, (a coffee or hot water handler, a kid who was a sixth wheel, had nothing to do and one young lad who sat behind Shri MC tending to his needs.

When any one is on stage, they should be trained to respect the stage and the audience and most importantly the performing artist. The coffee or hot water handler was a serious distraction as he was holding a conversation repeatedly with either TV Vasan or the kid vocalist and laughing and giggling on stage. Such people have no right to be on stage and should be fired. If at all any lesson has to be learned here maintain a decorum the way the gentleman behind MC attended to the violinist.
.

excellent appu, even i noticed the stage scene , what you have said is absolutely true,

As far as i noticed, In additon to Sri. Ravikiran, Sri Allepey Venkatesan, Smt.R.Vedhavalli and Sri. P.S.Narayanaswamy, Smt Radha variar sat throughtout the concert,
I have a great doubt, why most of our artists do not attend the concert of other musicians,

108talas · Post by **108talas** » 16 Dec 2009, 13:43

Member_First

you have opened a dish suitable for the rainy season

CRama · Post by **CRama** » 16 Dec 2009, 14:07

While sitting through the concert, I was anxious whether he will take up a Pallavi as there was not enough time. But he took up the great pallavi, did full justice to all components -ragam tanam, ragamalika swaras, trikalam, and the concert got extended upto 9.45. As against the normal duration of 2 hrs 30 mts, it went on for 2 hrs 45 mts.

Ramasubramanian M.K · Post by **Ramasubramanian M.K** » 16 Dec 2009, 14:36

Although I did not attend the concert(instead went to hear Sanjay@Ragasudha Hall)I fully concur with Appu's comments on the celebrity artistes indifference to the main artist on the Inauguration day--I do not think the said artistes had concerts at the same time to rationalise the exodus.(Perhaps they should all take a cue from Cleveland Sundaram's festival in the Spring where he literally "mandates" that when an artist sings the other artistes participating in the festival if they are in town(not giving a concert elsewhere) MUST attend the concert. I can say he has had tremendous success with that dictum--it is only courtesy.

On the point of the 'extras" on the stage indulging in antics and conversations,the authorities should bring it to the attention of the main artiste to discipline these extras.
While interest in CM has increased and listenership broadened it has also brought some coarsemness on the part of all in abandoning norms of civility in public forums-likewise we the audience also bear responsibility for our conduct.

Appu's last observation about T.V.Vasan--I fully concur-- I have noticed both in Chennai or abroad in the US--seldom plays unless the mridangist or the singer coaxes him--he is content to "applaud" the other artistes more as a "ploy" than due to genuine appreciation.
I know in the forum there are many fans of the TVG/TV Vasan clan but I must echo Appu's observation.

Last but not least the review of the concert was good befitting an artiste of TNS stature--he is one artiste who does not merely talf of innovation but actually practises it and has the technical wherwithal and virtuosity to let it come out!!

Look forward to many more reviews of this great artist.

Purist · Post by **Purist** » 16 Dec 2009, 16:02

RMK wrote - "Last but not least the review of the concert was good befitting an artiste of TNS stature--he is one artiste who does not merely talf of innovation but actually practises it and has the technical wherwithal and virtuosity to let it come out!!"

I endorse it. TNS' s innovations are noteworthy in the sense he does not jettison
time honoured practices.(unlike, for some it has become a fashion)

Rasika911 · Post by **Rasika911** » 16 Dec 2009, 18:27

Ive attended a fair few tns concerts in the past and have wanted to write a review but i have never been able to find the right words to do justice to the music i have heard. TNS is a true genius

shyamala3091 · Post by **shyamala3091** » 16 Dec 2009, 19:02

As rasika911 says TNS is a true genius and he never compromises for audience, He invariably enlightens the rasikas

uday_shankar · Post by **uday_shankar** » 16 Dec 2009, 23:59

Ramasubramanian M.K wrote:Appu's last observation about T.V.Vasan--I fully concur-- I have noticed both in Chennai or abroad in the US--seldom plays unless the mridangist or the singer coaxes him--he is content to "applaud" the other artistes more as a "ploy" than due to genuine appreciation.
I know in the forum there are many fans of the TVG/TV Vasan clan but I must echo Appu's observation.

One doesn't have to be a fan of an individual or presuppose that people are automatically fans of clans but everyone can be fair-minded. Not playing too much accompaniment is quite common for many senior upapakavadyam players. The late Khanjira player, G Harishankar, without a doubt one of the greatest Carnatic percussionists of all time, often played very little during most of the concert but sprung into life during the tani. I can cite other senior upapakavadyam players also. It is a matter of convention that they leave it to the "manager", i.e., the mrdangam artist as to when then get to play. So please don't single out Shri TV Vasan.

srikant1987 · Post by **srikant1987** » 17 Dec 2009, 07:29

This was a concert by Sangita Kalanidhis in honour of the Sangita Kalanidhi !!!

I hope Vidwan Shri T V Vasan soon joins the ranks of the remaining Sangeeta Kalanidhis.

kishu · Post by **kishu** » 17 Dec 2009, 07:32

Uday_Shankar wrote:
Ramasubramanian M.K wrote:Appu's last observation about T.V.Vasan--I fully concur-- I have noticed both in Chennai or abroad in the US--seldom plays unless the mridangist or the singer coaxes him--he is content to "applaud" the other artistes more as a "ploy" than due to genuine appreciation.
I know in the forum there are many fans of the TVG/TV Vasan clan but I must echo Appu's observation.
One doesn't have to be a fan of an individual or presuppose that people are automatically fans of clans but everyone can be fair-minded. Not playing too much accompaniment is quite common for many senior upapakavadyam players. The late Khanjira player, G Harishankar, without a doubt one of the greatest Carnatic percussionists of all time, often played very little during most of the concert but sprung into life during the tani. I can cite other senior upapakavadyam players also. It is a matter of convention that they leave it to the "manager", i.e., the mrdangam artist as to when then get to play. So please don't single out Shri TV Vasan.

I agree to both sri . MKR and Sri.Uday shankar here . While upapakavadyam vidwans are left at the discreetion of the mridangists , when they get their chances , they can infact play their part and showcase their talent , if not overshadowing the mridangist , like Sundarkumar on the kanjira . He is one of the best upapakkavadhyam players i can cite today as an example . Even though upapakavadyam players are not obligated to play through out the concert , they can of course play their part and enhance the overall effect . Of course it all boils down to the attitude of the mridangist to decide how much oppurtunity to be given to them . Some vidwans like uks dosent like the upapakavadyam vidwans to play to their potential , if not overshadow him . ( If someone dosent wish to agree to this , then am sorry , that truth is bitter saying will be proven once again ) . He will play for the violin also during neraval and swaraprastharams , without giving them a chance . On the other hand , i attended vijay siva's concert last nite at music academy ( trichy sankaran and v.suresh ) . The oppurtunities sankaran gave suresh to play and occasions when suresh overplayed sankaran , you can see sankaran appreciating suresh . Such attitude is so commendable . one cannot see this with many mridangists .

(To all uks fans and students - at this juncture let me categorically state , that am not a mridangam student belonging to any other school , just a rasika of carnatic music for the past 4 decades ) .

But inspite of all this Sri.T.V.Vasan remains a mute spectator ( for almost the entire concert ) in the concerts he is playing in , inspite of giving ample oppurtunities by the mridangist . But if it is in a true appreciation of the mridangist's vidwath , then it is fine , but if it is done just for crow catching the mridangists , then it is extremely unfortunate . But we cant say this is wrong , as upapakavadyam vidwans always live under the shadow of the mridangists .

prashant · Post by **prashant** » 17 Dec 2009, 09:33

kishu wrote:On the other hand , i attended vijay siva's concert last nite at music academy ( trichy sankaran and v.suresh ) .

Any impressions / songlist of this concert?

balu · Post by **balu** » 17 Dec 2009, 10:04

tns pallavi lines.undiluted gimmics of highest order.may be next year some one will sing a pallavi in praise of tns.

CRama · Post by **CRama** » 17 Dec 2009, 10:19

Dear balu, RTP is one area where the artist is free to compose the pallavi as per his manodharmam. We have heard about pallavis like"Kutralathu kurange marathai vittu irange"Another pallavi-Govindanadi mudundanadi-enakkavar sondamadi. What great poetry or logic in such pallavis? The pallavi coined by TNS had logic in the words chosen, it had kanakku built into it. He did full justice to all components of RTP

Member_First · Post by **Member_First** » 17 Dec 2009, 11:55

One more interesting/perturbing matter is the very word 'laya' in the pallavi lyrics has been chosen to denote 'valaya' (EUREKHA !!!). TNS association with Late Kunnakudi + Valayapatti combination is well known.

smriti · Post by **smriti** » 17 Dec 2009, 13:48

My grandparents attended this performance and were raving about this man's towering vidwat. I look forward to hearing him this weekend!

saptaratna · Post by **saptaratna** » 17 Dec 2009, 15:00

balu : tns pallavi lines.undiluted gimmics of highest order.may be next year some one will sing a pallavi in praise of tns.
...............................................................................................................................................................................................

In the Music Academy it is a sort of a time tested practice to coin a pallavi in honour of the Sangita Kalanidhi designate of that year by another senior vidwan and it is done in a sheer sense of positive friendly spirit and camaraderie. The pallavi line in this case is like sheer creative poetry.

It is no "gimmick".

When TNS was Sangita Kalanidhi designate, Chitravina Ravikiran coined a beautiful pallavi with the word "Viseshagopala" and rendered it brilliantly with all the relevant ornamentation that a pallavi requires. Last year too TNS sang " kidaikumo un darisanam Nataraja, sangita kalanidhe" in Kalyani.

It is not objectionable or below standard to do this, as in the past, Pallavi lines were coined by many a vidwan , as a means of honour, praise, social message, facts of history etc.

For a seasoned artist, a pallavi line is something he / she can coin at an extempore level and is done just to enliven the stage. They don't have to establish their credibility through the pallavi line. It is what they sing within that framework of the line that matters and diferentiates it as a genius production or run of the mill stuff.

......................................................................................................................

As regards T V Vasan's participation :

The forum members I think should not be unkind to any senior artist.

T V Vasan is an artist of his own merit and is vastly experienced. upa pakkavadyams are called so only because they are second to the main percussion , mridangam. They have to play the game according to the main mridangam player and in doing so there could be times when he / she may get to play or may not. Sometimes they may even choose to play less. In this case Sri T.V. Vasan gave the best he could.

appu · Post by **appu** » 18 Dec 2009, 04:46

saptaratna wrote:balu :

As regards T V Vasan :

The forum members I think should not be unkind to any senior artist.

T V Vasan is an artist of his own merit and is vastly experienced. upa pakkavadyams are called so only because they are second to the main percussion , mridangam. They have to play the game according to the main mridangam player and in doing so there could be times when he / she may get to play or may not. Sometimes they may even choose to play less. In this case Sri T.V. Vasan gave the best he could.

Saptaratna. No one is disputing the seniority of Shri Vasan. The discussion was more of decorum and respect towards other vidwans/Sangita Kalanidis on stage. There is no particular reason to hold a diaalogue with the coffee boy and laugh at a joke or whatever while sitting on the dias of the esteemed Music Academy. Social hour can be had after the concert. My particular comment was more towards the added appendages on stage who were more of a distraction. The idea of writing in a public forum is to bring this to the attention of the vidwans and the organizers of the academy and for that matter any other organization.

saptaratna · Post by **saptaratna** » 18 Dec 2009, 06:49

What I have written about pertains to the discussion of Sri TVV 's participation on the stage and nothing more.

Harikamboji · Post by **Harikamboji** » 18 Dec 2009, 22:44

Yes, subha panthuvarali seems to the flavour of the season. But then TNS sings it so well that i dont mind listening to it again and again.