CITI NCPA Aadi-Anant Festival in Bengaluru

About this event

Sudha Ragunathan (vocal) with V. Deepika (vocal)

Supported by:
Embar Kannan (violin), Patri Sathish Kumar (mridangam) and R Raman (morsing)

The two main branches of Indian classical music ? Hindustani and Carnatic ? are similar in their fundamental approach to melodic and rhythmic organisation (raga and tala), yet they are distinct traditions; distinguishable on the basis of some concepts, styles and forms, poetry and song repertoires, intonation, ornamentation and instrumentation. The Carnatic tradition is predominantly practiced in the five southern Indian states.

Sudha Ragunathan is heir to the rich musical legacy of legendary musician, P. N. Balasubramaniam, and his renowned disciple, M. L. Vasanthakumari. Gifted with a mellifluous voice, she is known for an effortless and faithful rendition of traditional kritis, and imaginative interpretation of kalpana svaras in a style that is laden with an emotional appeal. Straddling the worlds of tradition and innovation, Sudha has also participated in several international musical collaborations.

In this recital, Sudha Ragunathan and her talented disciple, V. Deepika, will present, individually and together, an array of forms: varnam, kriti, ragam-tanam-pallavi as well as a devotional song in praise of Lord Muruga (kavadi chindu), javali, a lighter composition, concluding with tillana, an exhilarating rhythmic form. Some of these compositions are also used in the bharatanatyam dance recital.