NEWS & NOTES Tyagaraja aradhana Tiruvaiyaru calling no fuss. It speaks volumes for the impact of Tyagaraja, Tiruvaiyaru and Come ‘Bahula Panchami’ in January, the aradhana atmosphere. and it is Tyagaraja aradhana time at Tiruvaiyaru. The unique and enduring The chorus rendition of the appeal of this annual event at the Pancharatna kriti-s creates intense bard’s samadhi on the banks of the vibrations many reputed musicians sacred Kaveri, has to be experienced describe as “positive and recharging”. to be believed. This goes beyond the preoccupation with the live TV coverage. It induces The fertile and hallowed spot in the many lay listeners, to resolve to learn ‘Chola’ country about which Tyagaraja fully at least one of the five gems; but makes an eulogistic reference in this cannot be a casual pursuit. the kriti, Muripemu galigegada in Mukhari. E mahilo sogasaina chola This time the Pancharatna singing Tyagaraja Illam AKIRA IO seemayandu varamaina Panchnadapura, was disciplined and orderly. The is the destination attracting devoted enthusiasm was much more marked role in securing the premises. aficionados of Carnatic music from among women. The residence of the immortal com- various places. (Already glorified poser has been renovated, or rather The rendition in flute of the kriti by the legend of the Tevaram saint rebuilt. Heritage and conservation Chetulara preceding the Pancharatna Appar, has acquired additional fame votaries may not appreciate the ‘new – a convention since the days of through Tyagaraja’s association.) look’ of the building and the shining Palladam Sanjeeva Rao – was rather marbles and tiles. The bottom line In recent times, the appreciation for tame this time in the absence of is that there are now a nodal point Tyagaraja’s multifaceted contribution N. Ramani. The flying start was and infrastructural facility in proper to music in a larger perspective and missing. It is time to pick a proper condition under the control of the the intention to pay him homage, successor from the next generation. Mahotsava Sabha, for undertaking have become widespread. A succinct The aradhana serves as a strong con- regular activity for the propagation of assessment of Tyagaraja’s music firmation of the convictions regarding the Tyagaraja lore. makes a powerful statement: “Telugu the art form, besides indicating its in lyrical form, Tamil in tradition, A portrait gallery of stalwart musicians health and emerging trends relating Carnatic in grammar, Indian in who have actively participated in the to the genre. For young aspirants, this vision and human in spirit.” (Sonti aradhana over the years, collection is the place and occasion to make an Ramamurthy) of printed and audio/ video material auspicious start. Plenty of promising relating to the Tyagaraja legacy, The packed audience in the pandal young musicians could be noticed reference and research facilities, a and the surging crowd outside, the during the non-primetime 10-minute dedicated website, are envisaged for mela atmosphere, the cosmopolitan slots. the future. character, are all part of the scenario. The desire for participation is catching There were added dimensions to the A beginning has been made with up with more and more Hindustani event this time. the display of selected pictures from the Sruti archives, courtesy The Sruti musicians and film music celebrities The samadhi premises – the venue for Foundation. A reproduction of S. in the south. The tabla conjurer Zakir the aradhana utsavam – are owned Rajam’s painting of the composers of Husain made his second visit this by the Bangalore Nagarathnamma different music genres is part of the time. The much adored globetrotting Trust, which is a different entity; acquisition, courtesy TAG Centre. superstar was a picture of humility they are made available to the Sabha while enthralling the huge audience only for the five days of the utsavam. The need to provide basic facilities in the company of tavil maestro In a rare instance, the inaugurating to the musicians coming on their own Haridwaramangalam Palanivel and dignitary (the union Minister, Jayaram to pay homage, has been recognised Mandolin Shrinivas – with absolutely Ramesh this time) paid tribute to the and some action is likely to be ‘devadasi-saint’ (referring to Sriram initiated soon. l SRUTI March 2011 V’s book), who had played a crucial MANNA SRINIVASAN.