Explore l K V Narayanaswamy l Sriranjani Santhanagopalan l Let's Talk Carnatic l MOPA

The 9th episode of MOPA’s series titled Explore features the celebrated Carnatic musician K V Narayanaswamy (1923 – 2002) in his centenary year. He was a disciple of the great Ariyakkudi Ramanuja Iyengar. Amongst other things, KVN was known for his impeccable sruti alignment, which allowed him to effortlessly render complex compositions and intricate ragas. His emotive and nuanced approach to singing captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on all those who had the privilege of listening to him. Fortunately, a sizeable collection of high-quality recordings of his music are available and serve as a lasting testament to his superlative artistry. Is tradition set in stone? Is not change even within a musician’s lifetime in the natural order of things? Does custom or convention in musical practice have to be held sacrosanct at the cost of organic modification or adaptation? An artiste creates and modifies, subtly or otherwise, his or her style for several reasons – physical, emotional, intellectual, political or aesthetic. A stellar artiste preserves tradition not as a rigid, fossilized keepsake but as an intelligent amalgamation of inherited values as well as current inclinations. In episode 8 of Explore, young and exceptionally skilled Carnatic musician Sriranjani Santhanagopalan navigates these questions using recording excerpts of KV Narayanaswamy. She examines the musician’s approach to vocal technique, handling of compositional and creative components (like neraval, ragam-tanam-pallavi and viruttam), and a host of related aspects. She offers her own interpretations and observations based on what she has heard and analysed. Every episode in this series promises a volley of insights into the musical style and technique of the musician being discussed. A treat for students, aspiring musicians, lay as well as experienced listeners. These conversations are not intended to conclude, merely to present points to ponder. Acknowledgements Audio Excerpts: Sriranjani Santhanagopalan Charsur YouTube channels: Sangeeta Rasika Carnatic Ecstasy Rishi Manoharan Photographs: Jody Viswanathan Music Academy Photo Archives Nadabhrnga anuradhamahesh.wordpress.com Ariyakkudi Facebook Page chowdaiahandparvati.blogspot Mylapre Times facebook.com/groups/kvnarayanaswamy Dhvani Ohio Palghatfinearts.org sakthibalan.in Hindustani Classical Music & Everything Camera: Prashanth Editing: Santhosh Sivan, ZoeTrope Company Produced by MOPA Foundation ©2023 This episode and its contents are intended for personal or educational use only and may not be used in any commercial form without prior written permission.