Respectfully

Yesterday was my music teacher's death anniversary. Can't believe it is a year already. When she passed away last year, I was somewhere in the UK, oblivious to the event. Miss her. She'd be happy to know that I am finally getting married. Although she would not be too pleased at my lack of practice. She knew though, how much I listen to concerts and admired her voice and repertoire.

I used to go to her home every evening after office, sometimes by auto, sometimes walking, sometimes on my scooter. She'd notice I'm tired and hungry - so give me something to eat or drink and then start. She was the one that taught me how to play on the tambura. And I used the tambura every time. She badly wanted me to pass the AIR audition. I didn't, but I enjoyed every bit of preparing for it. Improved me as a singer. She wanted me to give the Carnatic music exam. I didn't appear for it.

She knew a whole lot of rare kritis. Composed by her mama Mayuram Vishwanatha Sastry. Kanthamam, Jayati jayati, Sri Mahaganapate some of the ones I learnt from her. She always spoke of her own mother in proud endearing tones, how she used to boldly give lectures and strong performances. Rukmini teacher herself had a powerful voice that could travel in the deeper and higher octaves with equal ease and her face would show no strain whatsoever. At times, she used to send me on errands to her doctor and ask to prescribe medicines. On a side note, I remember that the doctor never took any money from me. I made three visits to him. He was a homeopath.

I have attended one of her concerts in the Gayana Samaj and a listened to a few of them over the radio. She was brilliant. I need to go and collect the recordings from her family. And may be a picture of hers too. I wish I had had the time to learn all the rare compositions from her. Feel very terrible that she succumbed to disease. I think that the carnatic music world lost some of her mama's compositions, which only she knew. Pity I could not inherit all of that knowledge. Anyway, I feel lucky to have known her and learnt music from her.

Ghazal after a long time

I learnt a ghazal last night. Kitni Raahat Hai - Shamim Jaipuri's lyrics. Sung by Mohammed Rafi. Learning and singing has left me feeling extremely fulfilled. I wish I could identify that raagam. It sounds like valachi sa ga pa da ni sa. An occasional pratimadhyamam. The presence of another swaram is a bit elusive. Giving a vivaadi effect. Not sure. It is the sort of ghazal that might play on the radio in the middle of afternoon or late night when activity slows, drowsiness envelopes and the wind silent. And I am at rest with eyes closed, receiving the gentle melody.

Reason for listening to Sahana

Maha windy. Can't leave the office. Sand, paper, grubby bottles and other categories of junk flying around. Breathe and find the sand going into my system. Apprehensive of tree falling on head while walking home or uncontrolled two wheeler colliding with self. Chances are that Ashok won't be entirely pleased with that.

So I came back up and am now listening to TNS' Vasudeva Namo Namasthe (c0mposed by Subbaramayya). He has started it with krishnAya vasudevAya devaki nandanAyaCa. The play list that I have includes a whole lot of other kritis in Sahana, Sri vAtapi gaNapati, vandanamu , mAnamu kAvalanu (Muthiah)

Hamirkalyani

There is this song from Amma Kili koodu. I love this song. I like the choice of raagam for this song. I like the mood it creates for me. I feel back at home. May be in school. May be with my mother. Or may be with my paatu teacher. I like the bits. I like how the tune is undulating. Especially in the stanzas, more than in the chorus. I think Suseela's mature voice is so good for this song. It makes patterns in my ear ! I like the ''jeevita veethhiyil'' verse two. So many instruments, good effects, very peaceful.

Here is the link to the song.

Induction

Currently trying to induct my co-cubicle-inhabitants into carnatic music. Found a willing disciple in Rajeshvaran. Based on some vague instinct, I suggested Sethilapathy. He seems to enjoy it. Sapto is impervious to my entreaties. And Vibha has vanished from her seat.

Gandhi

Listening to Vaishnava Jana Ko Tene Kahiye Je and Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram since last night. The M.S. Subbulakshmi version.

Suprabhatam

Morning was a happy one. I now own a Philips MP3 (etc) player. Listened to Vijay Siva and Sethilapathi. Life is under control. The milkman gave me my packet of Nandini milk. The paper wala gave me my Times. The iron wala returned my clothes beautifully pressed. I cleaned the house and felt good as I locked it, plugged in my walkman of Aruna Sayeeram and started my walk to reach work.