Music Mantra of India!
HISTORICAL GOLDEN ERA OF MUSICAL PATRONAGE CLASSICAL MUSIC RENOWNED COMPOSERS AND MAESTROS REVIVAL AND GLOBAL RECOGNITION NATIONAL ANTHEM VANDE MATHARAM ROLE OF FILM MUSIC IN LITERATURE EVOLUTION OF INSTRUMENTS REGIONAL DIVERSITIES INFLUENCE OF BHAKTI AND SUFI MOVEMENTS SLOGANS DURING THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE CONCLUSION aye mere vatan ke logonzara aankh mein bhar lo paanijo shaheed hue hain unkizara yaad karo qurbaani Music mantra of India! Our hearts soar through the ethereal realms of melody of this soul- stirring song, where emotions intertwine like constellations in the vast expanse of the universe. Amidst the cosmic landscape, this haunting scintillating melody, echoes from the depth of imagination. A song sung by our revered singing prowess Smt. Lata Mangeshkar a true legend of unmatched talent in the world of Indian music. A timeless patriotic song, that exudes the greatness of our Motherland Bharat (India) that transcended earthly boundaries, delving into the depths of human emotions and the enigmatic allure of the unknown, on hearing which, brought tears, to the then Prime Minister of India, Shri Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Its impact on Indians, is immeasurable, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers and uniting the Nation with its soul-stirring melody. This iconic song had left an indelible mark on Indian music, inspiring generations to uphold their love for their country India and cherish its rich musical heritage. Now on the occasion of the 77th Independence of India, let’s talk about the incredible richness of Indian Music and the immense pride it brings to our Nation. From the mesmerising classical Ragas to the foot-tapping Bollywood Beats, Indian Music is a vibrant tapestry, woven with diverse traditions and cultures. It’s a source of immense joy and celebration, reflecting the spirit of India’s unity in diversity, creating a unique cultural identity for Indians. So let’s groove to the beats and revel in the music magic, that makes us proud to be Indians. HISTORICAL India’s Musical history is an enchanting tale of evolution and fusion. It began with ancient vedic chants from the Sama Veda and later embraced classical traditions like Hindustani and Carnatic Music. Over the centuries, diverse influences from Persia, Central Asia and Europe intervened with Indian Melodies giving birth to a vibrant tapestry of Regional Folk and Popular music styles. Today Indian music stands as a testament to its timeless heritage and enduring creativity. CLASSICAL MUSIC Classical music in India, is a rich tradition that encompasses two main genres and dates back to 2 milliennia. They are Hindustani from the North and Carnatic from the south. The crux of Classical music is the ‘Omkara’ chanted as ‘Om’, the musical heart- beat of Indian music resonating with deep spiritual meaning and connecting the rhythm of life. The classical music reached its peak, during the Medieval Era, with the contributions of legendary composers like Tansen and Tyagaraja. It experienced cultural influences from various dynasties such as the Mughals and Vijayanagara Empire. Today classical music thrives with a diverse range of Instruments, Ragas and Intricate Rhythmic, Patterns, remaining as an integral part of India’s cultural Identity. GOLDEN ERA OF MUSICAL PATRONAGE It was during the medieval period, Indian Classical music flourished under the patronage of various rulers and Empires like the Mighty Rajputs and Vijayanagara Empire, leading to the development of numerous musical styles and Gharanas. RENOWNED COMPOSERS AND MAESTROS Throughout History, India witnessed the emergence of legendary Composers and Maestros who enriched the classical music traditions with their exceptional compositions and performances such as Tansen, Tyagaraja, Purandara Dasa and many others. Pandit Bhimsen Gururaj Joshi renowned Hindustani Classical Vocalist also known by the honorific prefix Pandit, was one of the greatest Indian vocalists from Karnataka, in the Hindustani classical tradition. He is known for the khayal form of singing, as well as for his popular renditions of devotional music bhajans and abhangs. The renowned Carnatic Classical Vocalist and Bharat Ratna Recipient Smt. M.S. Subbulakshmi was always celebrated for her exceptional renditions and devotions to Music. She was the first musician ever to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour and the first Indian musician to receive the Ramon Magsaysay award. As India’s cultural ambassador, her concerts at Edinburgh International Festival of Music and Drama in 1963; Carnegie Hall, New York; the UN General Assembly on UN day in 1966; Royal Albert Hall, London in 1982; and Festival of India in Moscow in 1987 were significant landmarks in her career. The Trinity of Carnatic Music, also known as the Three Jewels of Carnatic Music, refers to the outstanding trio of composer-musicians of Carnatic music in the 18th century—Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri. Theyare the rock stars of Indian Classical Music, composing timeless melodies that strike a chord in the hearts and souls, bringing tradition and innovation crafting ragas that paint emotions, weaving intricate rhythms and inspire generations. Purandara Dasa the Musical Genre of Karnataka stole hearts with his soul stirring compositions like “Bhagayada Lakshmi Baramma” , “ Baro Krishnaiah”, “Karuniso Ranga“ which echoes his profound Spiritual Journey. REVIVAL AND GLOBAL RECOGNITION In the 20th Century, Indian Classical music experienced a revival and gained recognition, with maestros like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Zakir Hussain becoming Ambassadors of Indian Musical world-wide. NATIONAL ANTHEM The National Anthem of India is called “Jana Gana Mana…..” It was written by Sri. Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali and was adopted as our country India’s National Anthem in 1950. This song is a tribute to the diverse culture and unity of India. It is played on various occasions to honour the Nation and its valu VANDE MATHARAM ‘I praise thee Mother (Matharam)’ refers to MOTHER INDIA “Vande Matharam Sujalam suphalam ……………..” On 24th January 1950 the Constituent Assembly of India, adopted ‘Vande Matharam ‘ as the National Song Is a patriotic song that originated in the 1875 and holds significance in India’s struggle for Independence. Composed by Sri. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the song extols the Motherland as a divine and cherished entity. Its lyrics have inspired generations, and it was later set to music by Sri. Rabindranath Tagore. “Vande Matharam” played
S.P. Balasubrahmanyam Live in Concert
Guinness World Record holder, Padma Shri S. P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB) “MY LISTENERS INSPIRE AND GIVE ME THE STRENGTH TO SING” SripathiPanditaradhyulaBalasubrahmanyam, fondly known as SPB or Balu, dons many roles – singer, music director, actor, dubbing artist and film producer. 40,000 songs in 16 languages, Guinness Record holder for recording the most number of film scores – yet being humble to all, grateful to his gurus and all the people who had given him opportunities to reach where he is, and always eager to learn more – Padma Bhushan Dr.S. P. Balasubrahmanyam is the personification of the phrase “Still waters run deep.” Senses Creations along with Mahaloth Melodies had organized SPB Live in Concert in Orion Mall and the Music was arranged by Venugopal& Team. The full packed crowd at Orion Mall proved that music is One language that everyone speaks. Everyone sang along, swayed along and tapped along SPB as he sang “Na HadaluNeevuHadabeku”, “JeevaVeene”, “CheluveOnduKelthine”, “PreethiyalliEroSukha”, “Mere Rang Mein”, “RojaJaneman”. “GaraneGaragarane”, “Shankarabharam”, “NalivaGulabiHoove”, not only allowed evoked the emotions of the audience, but also made them to experience the versatility of the Legend called SPB. Addressing the awed audience, SPB said, “I am thankful to all music lovers across the world who listen to me, you all are my precious treasure, at this age, my listeners inspire and give me the strength to sing. All in return I can do for all your love is only to sing till I am able to Sing at my best.” “I am thankful to god for making to live in hearts of crores of people. If there is re-birth, I will born in Karnataka, because the love and affection what Kannadiga’s have given me, I can never ever forget that in my life time.” SPB added. At 72, he still has the same charm, same spirit and same divine voice that he had 3 decades ago and he still looks completely un-stoppable. Music 360 is happy to share few of glimpse of this legendary performance.
Sri Sri Sri Shivakumar Swamiji 111 Birthday Celebrations
Music is a divine way to purify one’s soul, bring about spiritual prosperity and mental discipline in one’s life. Such music is an integral part of Sree Siddaganga Math, Tumkur where the magic of music is experienced everyday through the chanting of daily prayers, Basavannana Vachanagalu, Tripadi, Devotional Songs and Samskrutha Shlokas for more than 1 hour by over 10,000 students. These magical moments were experienced by over a lakh people on 1st April, 2018 as these ‘musical vibrations’ marked the Guruvandana of the grand 111th birthday celebrations of the Padmabhushana, Karnataka Ratna, Trividha Dhasohajyothi, Parama Pujya, Dr. Sri Sri Shivakumara Maha Swamiji of the Sree Siddaganga Math. The guruvandana was traditionally commenced by the lighting of 111 lamps, marking the age of maha swamiji. Music 360 Online Music Channel seek the blessings to the reverend maha swamiji in bringing to you a glimpse of this musical journey of Sree Siddaganga Math. Walking the talk of providing high prominence to music, the day’s programmes also centered only around music. The warm morning was all ears to the “Panchaveena Vadana” by Vainika Vidwan Sri. K.M. Lokeshwara & Team. While the afternoon devotees congregation were mesmerised by “Gana Maadhuraya” by Popular Singer Rajesh Krishnan & Team, the evening programme stole the show where the students of Sree Siddaganga Math gathered once again to perform “Basava Belaku”. Mathaadipathis from across the state were also present for the celebrations. Paramapoojya Sri Sri Siddalinga Swami of Sree Siddaganga Math, Paramapoojya Jagadguru Sri Sri Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami of Suttur Math, Paramapoojya Jagadguru Sri Sri Nirmalananda Swami of Adichunchanagiri Math, Shivanubhavacharamurthy Sri Sri Shivarudra Swami of Beli Math, Paramapoojya Sri Sri Mummadi Nirvana Swami of Sri Degula Math, and Paramapoojya Dr. Sri Sri Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru of Brihan Math enriched the entire event by performing paada poja and paying their respects to Maha Swamiji and up-keeping the guru parampara. Music 360 brings to you few glimpses of the Divine Celebrations.
Tribute to the Golden Voice of Mohammed Rafi
Versatile, humble and magnanimous – the words that are an integral part of our vocabulary when we speak about the legendary vocalist Padma Shri Mohammed Rafi. A gentle human being with great love for music, he never let money come in the way of his singing. After six sold out seasons of Rafi Revived, Bangalore based Antardhwani presented the 7th season of Rafi Revived as a tribute to the golden voice of the silver screen. It was an immense honour for Music 360 to be present at the RAFI REVIVED 7 – A Gateway to Revisit the Music of the Legend on 28th July 2018, Saturday at a fully packed Chowdiah Memorial Hall on the eve of his 38th Death Anniversary. Sony TV’s Indian Idol Senior Finalist #BijuNair accompanied by #MohammedYaseenKhan, Samanvitha Sharma and ShrutiBhide / Singer paid a heartfelt tribute to the legend. The music arranged by #PradeepPatkar& team was mind blowing. Designed & Directed by #RunaSikdar, the host #AjayBakshi awed the audience with much untold stories behind Mohammed Rafi’s songs. The audience were treated to the romantic “Jane Chaman Shola Badan”, “Ye MeraPrem Patra Padhkar”, “RimjhimKeGeetSaawanGaaye” and Pathos like “Kya Huva Tera Waada”, “NeenelliNadeveDoora”. Peppy numbers like “KisKiskoPyarKaroon”, “AajaAaja Main HuinPyar Tera” enthused the crowd to tap along to the tunes. The famed lullaby “Mein Gaoon Tum So Jao” & surprise Kannada song, “Nee BanduNinthaga”, also received huge applauds. Music 360 is happy to share few glimpses of this magical musical evening.
Dr. K J Yesudas Musical Evening at Sree Ramaseva Mandali
Dr. K.J Yesudas – the name that resonates with divinity and enchantment. Rightly so, he left the 3000+ gathering totally spell bound with his divine renditions at the 80th Sree Ramanavami Celebrations and International Music Festival 2018 by Sree Ramaseva Mandali-B’lore at Fort High School Grounds on 8th April 2018. The noted vocalist and playback singer, winner of multiple prestigious state awards and 7 National awards, is known to be a part of this concert every year for the last 45 years. The 78-year-old ‘Gana Gandharvan’ showed no signs of his age as he performed in front of people who had no qualms in taking up any little space they could find just so they could listen to his velvet-clad voice. Yesudas has a unique style of connecting to his audience – He shares his knowledge on music and his life, and seamlessly blends that into his performance. He reminisced about starting to learn music at the age of 5 only because of his father’s compulsion, yet how this was the best thing to have happened to him and how thankful he is to his father. He also expressed how he was still learning to master over the intricacies and nuances of the Bhairavi raaga even after so many years. He also enlightened the congregation with more knowledge on the 22 sruthis and the sapta swaras. The Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awardee also treated the music loving gathering to classical music, bhakti kritis and bhajans like “Bala Kanagamaya”, “Kanana Vaasa Kaliyuga varada”, and “Krishna Krupa sagaram”. While his rendition of “Ra Ra Devadi Deva Ra” and “Odi baarayya” could help the audience visualize the arrival of the Divine, his pleasant “Ninna nodi dhanyanaadenu”, “Kotta bhagyave saako Sri Krishna”, and “Dayamado Ranga dayamado” elevated the feeling of gratefulness to the Divine. His “Seethamma mayamma” induced a peaceful lull amongst people, and the jugalbandi between the instrumentalists S.R. Mahadeva Sarma at the violin, T. Bakthavathsalam at mridangam and T. Radhakrishnan at the ghatam earned a loud applause from all gathered. Pursuant to a request from the audience, the ‘Dasettan’ concluded the concert with his evergreen “Harivarasanam”, with the people singing along. Interacting with the mesmerised audience, he encouraged them to observe and learn from everyone, for each one is a GURU in their own way. He said, “Don’t go for bookish learning. Practice and practice more. Concentrate on every single song.” “I am honoured and happy to be performing at the Sree Ramaseva Mandali every year. Where else can I get to perform before such a learned audience. It is only with Sree Ramaseva Mandali that I have the patience to perform for 3 hours”. He added. Interacting with Music 360 online music channel, the Executive Officer and the 3rd generation administrator of Sree Ramaseva Mandali Sri Abhijith Varadaraj S said, “It has been an enriching journey of 80 years for Sree Rama Seva Mandali, the “Temple of Music”. The legacy of the Mandali has passed on from the founder Lt. Shivarapatna Vasudev Rao Narayanaswamy Rao (SVN Rao) to my father Shri S.N. Varadaraj, and we are humbled and honoured to be carrying on the tradition of celebrating classical music. This global music festival is being broadcasted in 130 countries with more than 300 artists participating in the event and is witnessed by more than 5 lakh people.” Known for technology and philanthropy, the Chairperson of Infosys Foundation, Smt. Sudha Murthy is also an ardent lover and supporter of classical music as well as the Chief Patron of Sree Ramaseva Mandali. Talking to Music 360 online music channel, she said, “Music is universe, Music doesn’t have any language. Music, Dance, and Art are the 3 daughters of Goddess Saraswathi. When I hear ragas like “Miya Malhar and Megha Malhar”, I feel the shower of rain as a gentle spray in my heart and soul. Music is my sure shot way to gain effortless happiness.” Everyone had a peace filled smile etched on their faces as they left the venue after the concert, only eager to come back to it again next year.