This biook, is the first of a series I intend to bring forth, to address the needs of students. It includes sections on theory, practice exercises, which comprise Sarali, Jantai and other varishais, and simple compositions like geetams and swarajatis, besides a series of appendices. I have endeavoured to use a direct approach aimed at students and teachers.
I have introduced a few refinements and a small number of revisions in the music, lyrics and conventions, in order to make the exertion more worthwhile. This exercise has eschewed some of the errors that have crept in over the centuries, despite the best attempts of all. Most of these alterations are minor but some, like the changes in the Geetam in Anandabhairavi, are significant.
Many of the geetams selected here, are the onees usually taught and rendered in all parts of the world by students of Carnatic music. Admittedly, there are grey areas with respect to the lyrics in certain cases, such as the geetams in Shuddhasaveri and Nattai; opinions differ as to which language they have been composed in, leave alone their meaning! I have taken expert opinions on board and have opted for the most probably correct versions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Chitravina N. Ravikiran
Chitravina N Ravikiran, hailed as the Mozart of Indian Music, made headlines as the world' youngest prodigy at the age of two (in 1969). He could identify and demonstrate 325 ragas, 175 talas and answer numerous other music related questions. He presented vocal concerts between the age of five and nine, which he has resumed since 1999. He switched over to the exquisite, 21-stringed chtravina when he was 12 and presented a record non-stop recital for 24 hours when he was 18. Ravikiran has presented concerts and lectures all around the world and has won acclaim as 'Perhaps the World's greatest slide player' (Radio Nation, Australia) and 'An arresting virtuoso whose playing is ravishing' (Los Angeles Times). Recognized in world music for his novel concept Melharmony, Ravikiran is also one of the more prolific composers today in Indian music as well with over 500 original pieces that include music-dance productions such as Lakshmi Prabhavam (USA 1997), Savitri (Australia, 1998), Cosmos (Canada 1999), Vinayaka Vaibhavam (USA 2000) and In the Long White Moonlight (USA 2001). Ravikiran has been the first or youngest to receive several other awards from the age of six, including Star of India, Kalaimamani, Kumar Gandharava Samman, Sangeeta Choodamani, Vadya Ratnakara and Isai Peroli. Ravikiran attributes all his success to his gurus chitravina maestro Narasimhan and Sangeeta Kalanidhi T Brinda.
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