Padma Vibushan Umayalpuram Sivaraman's Moras & Korvais

[sudhakar.ks]

Dear Rasikas,

We at Swathi are happy to bring out yet another master piece by the Mrudangam Legend.

Hope you will enjoy this creation as much as we did working on this project.



Mridangam Moras & Korvais
Mrudangam legend Dr Umayalpuram K Sivaraman presents a gamut of Moras and Korvais, the crown jewel of a tani avarthanam. This 4 DVD set has over 200 unique scintillating pieces that have extensive discussions covering structure, design and rendition with detailed explanation by Dr Sivaraman, in his own inimitable style while providing a dazzling display of percussive techniques presented along with his senior disciples. The lively interactions presented in a learning mode have very valuable annotations of playing techniques deployed by yester year greats including his revered gurus. The commentary by Dr Sivaraman on design of classical moras and korvais with improvisations done by him is thought provoking and his own compositions inspiring to the viewer.

A separate section covering advanced playing techniques which include special korvais - dwi kala, tri gathi & pancha gathi korvais are a highlight. A set of unique matching moras and korvais is also demonstrated that have similar rhythmic pattern with intriguing and innovative interpretations.

He dwelves in detail about the rhythmic beauty of moras and korvais in Adi, Rupaka chapu, Misra Chapu, Kanda Chapu, Kanda thriputa and Misra jampa talas. The legend demonstrates with great splendour the way it is employed in multiple combinations and spontaneous variations. To add colour, these have been demonstrated in the songs rendered by artistes Sri V V Ravi (Violin) and Sri Bharat Sundar (Vocal) for 4 talas where Dr Sivaraman plays 4 different tanis. He provides practical tips and clues, for applying these to complex talas in prime numbers without compromising attractiveness and scholarship.

Another unique feature is the inclusion of application of these to bharatanatyam (Adavus). A live performance of 5 most popular dancers who perform to Dr Sivaraman’s compositions are also added.

The concluding piece in misra chapu tala, is a visual demonstration of dexterity of the legend playing with the rhythm box in a display of technical prowess that signifies complete mastery over laya, akin to walking on the razor's edge.

A must have collectors item for all artistes, percussion loving rasikas and aspiring students.

Director : S.B.Khanthan
Disc Format System Region Language Duration
Disc 1 DVD NTSC ALL ENGLISH 2 Hrs 43 Mins
Disc 2 DVD NTSC ALL ENGLISH 2 Hrs 40 Mins
Disc 3 DVD NTSC ALL ENGLISH 2 Hrs 59 Mins
Disc 4 DVD NTSC ALL ENGLISH 2 Hrs 54 Mins

[Nick H]

It sounds like a glorious product of a wonderful project, and I can't imagine that any mridangam student would want to be without this.

Over eleven hours of mohara and korvai material? With explanation? Astonishing.

[sudhakar.ks]

It sounds like a glorious product of a wonderful project, and I can't imagine that any mridangam student would want to be without this.

Over eleven hours of mohara and korvai material? With explanation? Astonishing.

Hi Nick,

Yes over 11 hours, recorded over 5 full days of 9 to 9 shooting sessions. Over 200 compositions, with explanation, playing for Vocal singing, Violin, Bharatanatyam Adavus and much more. He is a bundle of energy, putting people half his age like me to shame with his dedication to hard work!

[Nick H]

Isn't NTSC the American standard?

I think a lot of DVD players and TVs can cope with both PAL and NTSC, but I'm not up to date on TV technology. Any problem for Indian/European viewers?

[sudhakar.ks]

Isn't NTSC the American standard?

I think a lot of DVD players and TVs can cope with both PAL and NTSC, but I'm not up to date on TV technology. Any problem for Indian/European viewers?

Yes you are right, NTSC is American Standard. All PAL players will play NTSC also, but NTSC players will not play PAL, hence the DVDs are created in NTSC so that we do not have to maintain 2 formats.

[skumar63]

This is indeed a great opportunity to view the composer himself play his compositions![update][/update]

[sureshvv]

It sounds like a glorious product of a wonderful project, and I can't imagine that any mridangam student would want to be without this.

Over eleven hours of mohara and korvai material? With explanation? Astonishing.

I thought this was a great idea too!

But yesterday I heard a mridangam artiste from a different school play in typical UKS style and I am not so sure anymore. Afraid that this may cause a homogenization of styles or that other less flashy styles may go out of vogue.

[kitathari]

I thought this was a great idea too!
But yesterday I heard a mridangam artiste from a different school play in typical UKS style and I am not so sure anymore. Afraid that this may cause a homogenization of styles or that other less flashy styles may go out of vogue.

This is a great treasure. One has to take the gist of the materials and adapt them to their own style. If someone cannot do this then they don't have a specific style in my opinion.

[sureshvv]

One has to take the gist of the materials and adapt them to their own style.

I felt that in this case the original style was being replaced with the more flashy one. May be I am just being paranoid!

[sudhakar.ks]

Watch the Legend play Moras & Korvais in this video.