for students and lovers of Carnatic music
We are aware that the ultimate aim of every composer and musician is to achieve the coalescence, the essential factors of classical music namely bhava, raga and tala. We know bhava literally means, expression, the expression of existence. In a composition, bhava encompasses the aspects rasa, raga1 and laya and for a musical composition to … Read more
Ludwig Pesch, The Illustrated Companion to South Indian Classical Music (New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 1999) is a lengthy introduction to Carnatic music, with a useful chapter on voice training. John Potter and Neil Sorrell, A History of Singing. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2012. (Sources and references, p. 310)isbn 9780521817059
The above exercise is inspired by the eminent violin duo Lalgudi G.J.R. Krishnan & Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi rendering a varnam by their late father Lalgudi Shri. G Jayaraman: raagam: valaci (valaji), 16 cakravAkam janyaAa: S G3 P D2 N2 S | Av: S N2 D2 P G3 S
Off the beaten track yet more than a detour, and fun: with your own voice (even if quietly or just imagined) and hands. In short, this set of exercises provides a bridge for anyone keen on combining both, traditional and unconventional learning opportunities; even if for no more than getting immersed or enjoying a break … Read more
Raga, Tala and Pedagogy: On the First Steps in Carnatic Music by Jeremy Woodruff The system by which any music is taught is the key to what is preserved, and how, in a musical tradition. I chose to research the basics of instruction in South India,both as an entry point for some practical knowledge on … Read more
Whatever one’s personal background and aspirations may be, Carnatic music remains a quest for undiluted aesthetic experience (rasa). Three basic concepts are essential. Read the brief introduction for more! Also read the course overview if you prefer a more systematic approach.
A tala trainer for self-study by Kalaimamani TR Sundaresan (voice & lessons) & Ludwig Pesch (talam cymbals & concept) Tips for self-study For some of the basic lessons your tutor provides pauses to be filled by participants while the accompaniment of cymbals and claps continues. This is followed by yet another repetition by the tutor. … Read more
Music by Kalaimamani TR SundaresanConcept by Ludwig PeschInspired by a conversation on the subject of ‘korvai’ with the late Sangita Vidwan S. Rajam Originally published in 2001 by KIT Publishers in Rhythm, A Dance in Time by Elisabeth den Otter (ed.) in conjunction with the exhibition titled “Ritme, dans van de tijd” at the Tropenmuseum … Read more
raagam: vasantA 17 sUryakAntam janyaAa: S M1 G3 M1 D2 N3 S | Av: S N3 D2 M1 G3 R1 S Having but 6 notes (instead of 7), this type of raga pattern is traditionally classified as being “derived” (janya) from a melakarta raga. Text books refer to any raga limited to 6 notes as … Read more