N. Rajam concerts

adirajk · Post by **adirajk** » 30 Apr 2009, 12:59

Hello all,

I am a great fan of Dr. N.Rajam, and have seen mention of forum members (notably mr. coolkarni) having recordings of hers that they plan to upload. I thought I would start this thread so that any recordings of N. Rajam's that are floating around have a place where they can be readily found!
I'm new to this site, and forums in general, I hope I've gone about this the right way.

Thank you.

bilahari · Post by **bilahari** » 30 Apr 2009, 13:08

Adirajk, welcome!
Maybe this thread could be moved to the Vidwans/Vidushis section?

While you wait for Coolji and others to oblige you, here is a nice jugalbandi of TNK/Rajam featuring an elaborate 2 hr RTP in kAnaDa/bAgESri kAnada :
http://www.sangeethamshare.org/manjunat ... Looru1980/

adirajk · Post by **adirajk** » 30 Apr 2009, 14:52

Thank you and thank you, bilahari! I had downloaded this concert earlier, it was great to hear brother and sister in a jugalbandi.
I am unsure of how to move threads, but will do so as soon as I find out, as per your suggestion. In the meantime, I hope this will do!

Shivadasan · Post by **Shivadasan** » 01 May 2009, 07:26

You can try
http://www.legendarylegacy.com/ for Solo and duet concerts

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 06 May 2009, 17:43

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 08 May 2009, 11:40

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 08 May 2009, 19:10

Would "all" be welcome?

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 08 May 2009, 20:34

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 08 May 2009, 22:50

I saw my friend Rama Varma there, and was of the intention not to miss their concerts! But I don't think they advertise them widely, and I suspect I have done.

Of course, we knew noting about them when we turned down a small house in the same compound!

Shivadasan · Post by **Shivadasan** » 09 May 2009, 07:11

Is N.Rajam rendering Carnatic music ?

adirajk · Post by **adirajk** » 09 May 2009, 19:27

Thank you for that Malkauns coolkarni, I had heard it before and really do love it.

Also, what is the address of Musri Home? And about what time will the concert start? My grandmother's in Chennai, I'm hoping she can make it there!!! Grr, at times like this I wish I was back in Chennai, even more so than usual.

And here's a great video clip on esnips I found a while ago. It's N. Rajam and Bismillah Khan in a jugalbandi!

http://www.esnips.com/doc/12f1b964-cab6 ... illah-Khan

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 09 May 2009, 19:56

Sathej · Post by **Sathej** » 09 May 2009, 23:45

Was advertised in today's Mylapore Times (a local weekly). Seems the concert would primarily be a Hindusthani one.

Sathej

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 10 May 2009, 03:59

It is right at the beginning (as the traffic flows) of Musiri Subramania Road.

There is a small lane that you must walk down.

The road name is, I believe, no coincidence.

Bharath's excellent sabha finder will help:

http://maps.google.com.au/maps/ms?ie=UT ... 13454&z=16

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 10 May 2009, 07:55

srikant1987 · Post by **srikant1987** » 11 May 2009, 06:43

Can't thank you enough for mentioning this concert, coolji! What I would have missed, had I not known!

Was the bhajan "payo jee mein ne"? What raag is that set to?

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 11 May 2009, 06:56

pAyO jI meinE rAm ratan dhan pAyO is one of my all time favorite bhajans, with this being my favorite verions: http://www.dishant.com/album/Lata_Mange ... _Payo.html

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 11 May 2009, 07:53

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 11 May 2009, 09:03

Can one of you post the songlist please???

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 11 May 2009, 10:04

It was a beautiful concert.

I think I agree with Cool on the content, but know enough to know for sure. Of course I agree with him on the ambience of the house.

A lovely evening.

gobilalitha · Post by **gobilalitha** » 11 May 2009, 10:13

I think 'Payoji maine ' is set in raag pahadi. gobilalitha

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 11 May 2009, 10:26

Always_Evolving · Post by **Always_Evolving** » 11 May 2009, 11:24

Rajeshnat: I could not tell you the "song list" as the bandishes are unknown to me. In any case I believe HM gives v little importance to the songs per-se.

She played vilambit and drut khyals in Yaman, followed by a tharana which showcased a wonderful range of fingering and bowing techniques -- some of which are reminiscent of western / L Shankar type virtuosity. Following that, a Carnatic piece -- seethapathe in Khamach which she learned from Musiri Subramania Iyer. Then came Payoji maine, a Desh piece and Sindhu bhairavi.

Smt. Rajam has a silken touch to her playing. And amazing technique which she reveals in restrained fashion when the music calls for it, (as in the tharaana portion of the yaman), rather than simply making a point of it, as is done by some young HM violin wizards. I love the soft and understated approach to crescendos and finishes.

Cool-jis comments on the ambience and hosts is spot-on.

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 11 May 2009, 12:13

srikant1987 · Post by **srikant1987** » 11 May 2009, 13:23

@ Coolji

I noticed you were there, I also noticed Vidwans Shashank and Vijay Siva (I was actually not sure if it was him or his brother). In fact I reached the place very early, and it took me a while for me to realise that Dr Rajam was already in the room.

They kept a mike for the drone also, so that a uniform loudness could be maintained amongst the audience, as is done for the other sources of music in any concert.

I love the drut (?) khayal she took up; she played it in the Carnatic-Hindustani concert with Shri T N Krishnan at Narada Gana Sabha last year too. She gave space for a few tabla "solos" in which she just repeated the line, where as the tabla artist played something complex which would "hit" together with a stress point in the song after a few rounds. I never noticed it before in any Hindustani concert (not that I've listened to many of them) before.

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 11 May 2009, 13:34

srikant1987 · Post by **srikant1987** » 11 May 2009, 15:27

adirajk · Post by **adirajk** » 11 May 2009, 19:39

Sounds like it was an amazing concert. I've only seen N. Rajam live in concert once, when she came to Australia in 2006, it's something I'll always remember. I asked her for an autograph (I was 15) and she asked me to hold her violin as she signed it! She even asked me a few questions, like if I spoke Tamil (in Tamil), and I was so awestruck that all I could manage was "A little" (in my very badly accented Tamil)!

Also, thanks for the directions everyone who supplied them. Did anyone record the concert, and could they upload it if they have?

srikant1987 · Post by **srikant1987** » 11 May 2009, 20:32

adirajk wrote:she asked me to hold her violin as she signed it!

WOW!

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 11 May 2009, 20:43

coolkarni wrote:
srikant1987 wrote: She gave space for a few tabla "solos" in which she just repeated the line, where as the tabla artist played something complex which would "hit" together with a stress point in the song after a few rounds. I never noticed it before in any Hindustani concert (not that I've listened to many of them) before.
It is done quite often in HM Instrumental concerts.Especially where the tabla artist is a big name, like Ravindra Yavagal.

Perhaps the lack of mention of the tabla artist is because we don't really know what to say about tabla? I feel that way, but I can say that I enjoyed his accompaniment very much, as well as those little solo spots

I am yet to come across a CM concert where the artist enquired if the Drone was audible to the audience.THAT was my point.

I've come across more than a few in which it was too loud! Also quite a few CDs on which it is intrusive, which is unforgivable for studio professionals.

But the point is that she cared about the presentation to the audience. There are one or two Carnatic artists who regularly ask their audience if the sound balance is right --- although it is not easy to reply to them if one is far back in a large hall, the thought is appreciated.

Actually, the entire way she presented herself to the audience was very gentle, very unassuming, very humble.

vganesh · Post by **vganesh** » 12 May 2009, 09:30

It was a nice concert indeed. Concerts with Rasika forum members is a double delight. The place is also wonderful.
I am really thrilled to see artists in such close quarters. That too it is a every month affair ( CoolJi thanks for the info

)

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 12 May 2009, 09:58

srikant1987 · Post by **srikant1987** » 12 May 2009, 10:39

Even though I was there in the concert itself, I would love to get the recording!

When listening to a recording, you feel relaxed, since you can repeat it later if you miss something -- more importantly, you can freely (over) react to a particularly nice phrase.

S.NAGESWARAN · Post by **S.NAGESWARAN** » 12 May 2009, 13:19

Dr.N.RajamÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s concert at MusuriÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s house on 10.05.2009.

Dear Rasikas,

The download link of Dr.N.RajamÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s link is given below for enjoying the excellent Violin concert of Hindustani music.

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=a191 ... 5f6e8ebb87
1
[12.05.09 ]

Here I have to mention that I and my friend R.Murali [violinist] were fanÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s of Dr.Rajam for 30 years and attended her concerts held in Chennai without fail. Some how she had soft corner about us. On 09.05.09 Dr.Rajam phoned me from Mumbai and informed about her concert and asked us to attend the concert. It shows her humility and gracefulness in respecting true Rasikas.

I was trying to contact her and make a request for playing "Miyaki Malhar and Keeravani in the concert.
I could not establish contact with her and met her only in the concert hall just before the concert. Dr.Rajam informed me that there was some problem with her mobile and she was not getting incoming calls. When I have expressed my listenerÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s choice she informed that it is too late to change her list of songs to be played that day and promised to play next time when she visit Chennai.

However she gave me the permission to me to record the concert.

It was unique to see her arranging the Thumbura sruthi to be heard by the audience. The back ground feed of the Thumbura was excellent while she was playing the violin. While editing the concert, I have retained the Thumbura sruthi to remain for a longer duration. It is just a bliss to listen to the thambura sruthi alone and takes us to the meditative mood.
Today morning I spoke to her and mentioned that concert was of short duration of 2 hours and enquired whether she was having any problem. Dr.Rajam informed me that she could not stand the oppressive heat [Agni nakshathiram period], since no fan was provided to her, she was sweating profusely to the extent of the sweat from her hand wetting the finger board.

She gave me permission to upload the concert for the Rasikas to enjoy.

S.NAGESWARAN.

S.NAGESWARAN · Post by **S.NAGESWARAN** » 12 May 2009, 13:23

Dr.N.RajamÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s concert at MusuriÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s house on 10.05.2009.

Dear Rasikas,

The download link of Dr.N.RajamÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s concert is given below for enjoying the excellent Violin concert of Hindustani music.

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=a191 ... 5f6e8ebb87
1
[12.05.09 ]

Here I have to mention that I and my friend R.Murali [violinist] were fanÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s of Dr.Rajam for 30 years and attended her concerts held in Chennai without fail. Some how she had soft corner about us. On 09.05.09 Dr.Rajam phoned me from Mumbai and informed about her concert and asked us to attend the concert. It shows her humility and gracefulness in respecting true Rasikas.

I was trying to contact her and make a request for playing "Miyaki Malhar and Keeravani in the concert".
I could not establish contact with her and met her only in the concert hall just before the concert. Dr.Rajam informed me that there was some problem with her mobile and she was not getting incoming calls. When I have expressed my listenerÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s choice she informed that it is too late to change her list of songs to be played that day and promised to play next time when she visited Chennai.

However she gave me the permission to me to record the concert.

It was unique to see her arranging the Thumbura sruthi to be heard by the audience. The back ground feed of the Thumbura was excellent while she was playing the violin. While editing the concert, I have retained the Thumbura sruthi to remain for a longer duration. It is just a bliss to listen to the thambura sruthi alone and takes us to the meditative mood.
Today morning I spoke to her and mentioned that concert was of short duration of 2 hours and enquired whether she was having any problem. Dr.Rajam informed me that she could not stand the oppressive heat [Agni nakshathiram period], since no fan was provided to her, she was sweating profusely to the extent of the sweat from her hand wetting the finger board.

She gave me permission to upload the concert for the Rasikas to enjoy.

S.NAGESWARAN.

rajumds · Post by **rajumds** » 12 May 2009, 14:30

There seems to be a problem with the link

S.NAGESWARAN · Post by **S.NAGESWARAN** » 12 May 2009, 16:59

Dear rajumds,

N.RajamÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢s concert on 10.05.09.

This is the first time that I am uploaded the files in Media Fire.com. I may not have given the correct URL for downloading.

Please try the following URL links for downloading.

http://www.mediafire.com/file/y0vuzrzoj ... -Yaman.mp3

http://www.mediafire.com/file/dzkzjnzyz ... Khamas.mp3

http://www.mediafire.com/file/a4nmywiyj ... Pahadi.mp3

http://www.mediafire.com/file/wvhntonz4 ... n-Desh.mp3

http://www.mediafire.com/file/i3dgnmmykyz/05- Raag-Bairavi.mp3

http://www.mediafire.com/file/i3dgnmmykyz/05- Raag-Bairavi.mp3

Confirm as to whether you were able to download successfully.

S.NAGESWARAN.

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 12 May 2009, 18:44

The last two links appear to be the same.

Otherwise, no problem with the download.

Thank you very much!

adirajk · Post by **adirajk** » 12 May 2009, 20:26

Wow, I never expected this kind of response when I started this forum! I can't wait to listen to this concert, thank you so much S.NAGESWARAN for uploading it (and Dr. N. Rajam for giving her consent)! Yaman was the first raga I learnt and I always wanted to hear a full rendition by N. Rajam, because I always think her rendition of a given raga is the 'definitive' one, or at least the one I enjoy the most!

rajumds · Post by **rajumds** » 14 May 2009, 11:03

Thanks Sri Nageswaran. I was able download. Thanks again

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 14 May 2009, 17:20

Sri Nageswaran, thank you for the pains you've taken in not just recording the concert, but also for getting permission from the artist, and then generously sharing it with everyone. A wonderful example of not just a generous spirit, but of going about it correctly!

And, THANKS to Smt. Rajam as well for her generosity.

Sam Swaminathan · Post by **Sam Swaminathan** » 15 May 2009, 02:53

Sri Nageswaran....while I have successfully downloaded all but one, I get the following msg when downloading Pahadi..

The key you provided for file download was invalid. This is usually caused because the file is no longer stored on Mediafire. This occurs when the file is removed by the originating user or Mediafire.

Grateful if you can set this right....thanks a million.

regards

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 15 May 2009, 09:41

Smt NrAjam's Concert review in the hindu
http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/05/15/stor ... 970200.htm

uday_shankar · Post by **uday_shankar** » 15 May 2009, 15:53

Cool and others (including family

),

I have an important question...did Smt. Rajam have the fan turned on above her at a high speed ? One's experience of fine shruti alignment is often compromised by the fan. I personally hate to play any musical instrument with the fan on, however sweaty I am.

coolkarni · Post by **coolkarni** » 15 May 2009, 20:21

srikant1987 · Post by **srikant1987** » 15 May 2009, 20:45

Most of the times, if the shruti box is at a reasonable volume (and you play with azhuttham to match it), the fan's sound can be easily overridden to insignificance. Of course, some fans are very noisy.

uday_shankar · Post by **uday_shankar** » 15 May 2009, 21:04

srikant1987 wrote:Most of the times, if the shruti box is at a reasonable volume (and you play with azhuttham to match it), the fan's sound can be easily overridden to insignificance. Of course, some fans are very noisy.

Srikanth
It's not about the fan's "sound" or azutham. Even if the fan were totally noiseless, the air currents interfere with the sruti alignment, especially with a plucked string or wind instrument. It is a very unsatisfying experience tuning or playing - if you haven't experienced or felt it, it cannot be explained any more than this.

In any case, Cool answered my question and it's music to my ears - "the fan was switched off" ! Whew.

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 15 May 2009, 23:45

Looks like Smt. Rajam performed to rave reviews in B'lore either before or after this concert at the Musiri residence: http://www.hindu.com/fr/2009/05/15/stor ... 750300.htm

S.NAGESWARAN · Post by **S.NAGESWARAN** » 16 May 2009, 14:38

Sam Swaminathan,

I wonder how MSG is coming in Rajam's music upload of the Pahadi raag. Can you re upload the link so that I can also enjoy both Rajam and MSG playing.

I am again giving the download link for the Pahadi raag. See whether you are able to down load and hear Rajam's music alone.

http://www.mediafire.com/file/a4nmywiyj ... Pahadi.mp3

Being new to the uploads of music, can you explain the correct procedure for uploading [2 URLS are coming in the link [one with song name only I am uploading] ],how long the link will be active, and other precautions to be taken.

S.NAGESWARAN.

Sam Swaminathan · Post by **Sam Swaminathan** » 18 May 2009, 08:45

Nageswaran Sir

I am afraid you have misunderstood my statement. I have used "msg" to say "message" and this seems to have mis led you. I apologise for that. But since you have asked for a Pahadi, I went and searched my MSG collection, but could not find any. But, I am appealing to Coolji if he can upload a Pahadi of MSG from his sources....

As for Rajam's concert, I cannot thank you enough !! Brilliant.!