#raagchandrakauns #ranjanigayatri #musicofindia
Renowned for the lyrical luminosity and purity with which they continue to present Carnatic music to audiences around the world, Ranjani and Gayatri’s performance from this Darbar festival 2015 video is a firecracker that will be remembered for year
Enjoy this music piece? You can WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE - Start your free no-obligation trial of the Darbar Player app and watch over 600 music performances today. Click here and sign up for a no-obligation 3-day trial and watch the full-length version of this video now at - bit.ly/3Aufh47
______________________________________________________________
Learn more about the music:
The sisters perform six pieces beginning with a kriti composed by Saint Purandara Dasa (1484-1564), the devotional singer, composer, philosopher and devotee of Lord Krishna. ‘Jaya Jaya Janaki Kantha’ is set to Raag Nattai and the hymn praises Lord Vishnu’s human avatar Rama. Pegging short tonal sentences (swarakalpanas) around the composition, the duo gives a lively start to their performance.
The second composition set to Raga Arabhi, was written and composed by Saint Thyagaraja (1767-1847). Ranjani takes the lead to introduce the alapana in crisp and steady rapid notes accentuated by oscillations. Each note is welded to the other in smooth switch-overs as they flow and ebb in a series of synchronised, rhythmless melodic tides. ‘Nada Sudha Rasam Bhilanu’ gives a stunning metaphor of Rama as a personification of the supreme, divine medium of music.
The third piece set to Kharaharapriya is set to Misra Chapu talam. ‘Navasiddhi Petralum’ compares an accomplished man without faith to the husk surrounding a grain - an absolutely useless residue that is thrown away. Composed by Neelakanta Sivan (1839-1900), Ranjani and Gayatri structure this kriti around a magnificent scheme of tunes and rhythm.
Thereafter, they pivot to the ragam tanam pallavi in Shubhapanthuvarali. A detailed alapana followed by tanam preludes the pallavi. The sisters explore the raga extensively and perform the pallavi set to Chatusra Jati Triputa talam in 16 beats. An engaging ragamalika ensues followed by a percussion duet that lends exponential beauty to this performance.
The next piece, a Tamil ‘viruttham’ (sanskrit hymn with no rhythmic accompaniment) set to Raga Sindhu Bhairavi flows seamlessly into a composition in praise of the duality of Lord Shiva by Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer (1844-1893).
The sisters end their recital with a resounding abhang set to Raga Chandrakauns in an extraordinary trade of energies between themselves and their accompanists on stage.
Musicians
Ranjani & Gayatri (vocals)
HN Bhaskar (violin)
Sai Giridhar (mridangam)
Giridhar Udupa (ghatam)
Mithila Sarma & Kiruthika Nadarajah (tanpuras)
________________________________________________________________
Darbar believes in the power of Indian classical arts to stir, thrill and inspire. Through shared experiences and digital connectivity, we ensure that one of the world’s finest art forms reaches the widest possible audience. Founded in 2006, we deliver premium quality live events, music education, broadcasts and online engagement through promoting artistic innovation and creative technology. We are also committed to providing a platform for new talent from India and the UK.
All Rights Reserved ©2024 Darbar Arts Culture Heritage Trust