Pallavi - A blog on Carnatic Music

With the job search over, I'm getting to spend more time alone, and with music and hope to do this more regularly. Today's music is a rare find. A rendition of a bhajan (by Swati Tirunal) in Brindavana Saranga on the flute by KS Gopalakrishnan. A short piece --- played with great sensitivity.

KSG is a great player, unfortunately has been given a poor treatment by the Madras Carnatic circle. (He is from Kerala).

Click here to listen to the bhajan.

I went to sleep last night listening to this on my cd player, and it was great to be alone -- away from the rush of regular life -- listening to this!

Off late - I have been increasingly attracted to M.S Subbulakshmi's neraval singing. It probably does not have the variety of KVN or the flamboyance of some the younger artists -- However, it has certain simple qualities that make it very appealing. First the use of simple sangathis* -- involved in the repeated singing of a line -- the variations of sangathis is almost minimal, for a casual listener. However, a deeper listening reveals small gems that are studded all along the way -- very minor variations -- that are rewarding! The second one is about the control of voice -- a trademark in her singing -- amazing control and precision at an amazing tempo in the higher octave. Finally, the climaxes invariably are crescendos -- unlike most musicians -- very impactful!

Listen to this rare piece in the raga Pushpalatika -- "Ikanaina" -- by Muttuswami Dikshitar (From her Carnegie hall concert in the 70s)

The neraval starts around 1'40 "akaranka neeve"(?) -- and goes on for several minutes (until 5'29 precisely) -- The violin playing is very nice (Kandadevi Azhagirisamy) !!

Click (requires username password) this link for the clip.


PS: 1. http://www.flonnet.com/fl1619/16190970.htm a nice article by CVN on MSS

2. I spoke to my mom yesterday, and i am told that MSS is very sick and has been admitted in a private hospital!


*sangathis -- musical phrases