Musical legacy - advantage or disadvantage?

ragam-talam · Post by **ragam-talam** » 10 Jan 2010, 18:48

This Hindu article from 2006 makes for interesting reading:
http://www.hindu.com/ms/2006/12/15/stor ... 040100.htm

The article covers four young musicians:
Subhiksha Rangarajan, daughter of Lakshmi Rangarajan
Anusha Pradeep, grandniece of Musiri
Sikkil Gurucharan, grandson of Sikkil sisters
Nisha Rajagopal, daughter of Vasundhara Rajagopal

An intriguing question arises: Is legacy an advantage or a disadvantage for a young musician?
Does it create too high expectations (disadvantage) or provide a wholesome musical background (advantage)?

Sreeni Rajarao · Post by **Sreeni Rajarao** » 10 Jan 2010, 23:18

I think it is "package deal". It comes with both elements. While the musical background advantage is a big plus, this also has a limitation in the sense that the carrier of the legacy may find himself or herself obligated to carryon the "tradition inherited" and may not feel comfortable to experiment or expand horizons. Of course, there will be exceptions.

CRama · Post by **CRama** » 13 Jan 2010, 15:43

There can be one disadvantage also, I personally feel. When the senior musician is active in the field, and if both the senior and junior are in the same line viz, vocal, or same instrument, then performance opportunities will continue to be for the senior and many times, the junior may not be able to come out of the fold of the senior. The junior will not get opportunities to project himself as a solo artist.

narayan · Post by **narayan** » 13 Jan 2010, 19:01

In this context, what price R.S.Ramakanth, son of R.K.Srikanthan. The son is a mere 61 or so, but seems to be still regularly accompanying the father. Does RSR sing on his own?

rajesh_rs · Post by **rajesh_rs** » 13 Jan 2010, 19:05

I think that in today's society with more opportunities for aspiring youngsters, excellence and not lineage tends to determine success more and more. But it is impossible to rule out the effects of being in a family with a heritage of music - if anything it only hones musical sensibilities, and is therefore useful, if applied correctly. If applied incorrectly, however, it can lead to high expectations that may be difficult and even impossible to reach for most.

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 13 Jan 2010, 23:52

Advantage is learning by osmosis; disadvantage cannot lead in the company of senior