Episodes
Monday Jun 08, 2009
Episode 39: Analysis of a Ghana Ragamalika Thanam – Part III -- Arabhi
Monday Jun 08, 2009
Monday Jun 08, 2009
We continue our analysis of Smt. Veena Dhanammal's Raagamalika thanam. The third and fourth raaga she plays are Arabhi and Sri, respectively. Vidya points out the specific phrases Smt. Veena Dhanammal uses to highlight Arabhi raagam. Vidya also touches upon a couple of key differences between Arabhi and its closely allied raaga, Sama. Finally, we finish this segment by reviewing the transition from Arabhi to Sri.
Sunday May 24, 2009
Episode 38: Analysis of a Ghana Ragamalika Thanam – Part II -- Gowlai
Sunday May 24, 2009
Sunday May 24, 2009
Monday May 11, 2009
Episode 37: Analysis of a Ghana Ragamalika Thanam – Part I -- Nattai
Monday May 11, 2009
Monday May 11, 2009
In this episode, we delve deeper into the Raagamalika thanam rendition by Smt. Veena Dhanammal. The first raaga she plays is the Raaga Nattai. Vidya elaborates on several important phrases and detailed nuances that Smt. Veena Dhanammal masterfully packed into a one minute snippet.
Monday Apr 27, 2009
Episode 36: Featured Person -- Smt. Veena Dhanammal
Monday Apr 27, 2009
Monday Apr 27, 2009
In the last segment, we heard a veena rendition by Smt. Veena Dhanammal. In this episode, we discuss her life, times, and contributions to the world of Carnatic music. Vidya shares with us additional details regarding the snippet we heard in the last episode - a raagamalika thanam in the five ghana raagas. We also discuss the term “ghana raagas”.
Wednesday Apr 15, 2009
Episode 35: Featured Instrument -- Veena: Part II
Wednesday Apr 15, 2009
Wednesday Apr 15, 2009
We conclude our two-part series on the Veena in this segment. We discuss the physical structure of the veena, how and where it is made, as well as how it is played. Finally, we share with you a snippet of a thaanam rendition by a very renowned vainika (veena player), Smt. Veena Dhanammal.
Thursday Apr 02, 2009
Episode 34: Featured Instrument -- Veena Part I
Thursday Apr 02, 2009
Thursday Apr 02, 2009
In this segment, we feature the Veena, a plucked string instrument unique to Carnatic music. We discuss the revered status given to this instrument in the Hindu tradition. The veena is mentioned in several Carnatic music compositions. Vidya renders a few snippets of compositions that have references to the veena.
Thursday Mar 26, 2009
Episode 33: Rasikas' Voice -- Your Letters and Questions
Thursday Mar 26, 2009
Thursday Mar 26, 2009
In this episode, we would like to share some of the feedback we have been getting so far and answer some of your questions. We also give the answer to the Raaga Quiz: Mukhari vs. Bhairavi featured in Episode 28 and recognize listeners who submitted correct entries. Thanks a lot for all your comments and enthusiastic support. We really appreciate it!
Tuesday Mar 17, 2009
Episode 32: Featured Composition – Alaavadennaalo Part II
Tuesday Mar 17, 2009
Tuesday Mar 17, 2009
In this episode, we shift the focus to the multiple final segments (Charanams) of the composition. By singing several snippets of this composition, Vidya illustrates its distinct aspects in a detailed fashion. We discuss the rhythmic and melodic structure of this gem. We also define the rhythmic term, “eduppu” and describe the different kinds of “eduppu”.
Saturday Mar 07, 2009
Episode 31: Featured Composition – Alaavadennaalo Part I
Saturday Mar 07, 2009
Saturday Mar 07, 2009
In this episode we feature a composition by Sri. Oothukaadu Venkatakavi. The composition "Alaavadennaalo", in Raaga Paras, is one of his Saptaratna kritis. We introduce the ragam Paras and mention some well known compositions in this ragam. This is a masterful piece that brings together a deep sense of devotion and humility, superb lyrics, and incredible compositional structure. We discuss in detail the first two segments of this composition (i.e., the Pallavi and the Anupallavi).
Monday Feb 23, 2009
Episode 30: Sri. Oothukadu Ventakakavi's Compositional Style
Monday Feb 23, 2009
Monday Feb 23, 2009
We continue our conversation from the last episode, and discuss Sri. Oothukadu's musical mastery, highlighting his rhythmic prowess as well as poetic genius. Vidya illustrates salient aspects of his compositional style using examples drawn from his compositions, including the universally popular Alaipayudhe Kanna.