Sangita Sampradayam: A Collection of Lectures on Carnatic Music, Volume 1

Sometime in the early twentieth century, the idea of organizing music seminars emerged.  Hitherto music had remained in the realm of concerts but now there were experts, both musicians and musicologists willing to share their experiences and expertise.  They began a new tradition of talking about music. About ragas, theories and treatises.  They went about it in the face of derisive criticism from some quarters, that even went to the extent of saying that those who could not sing, spoke!  However, the genre of lecture demonstrations had come to stay.  It created an awareness among the younger generation and made classical music more accessible to the rasika, by throwing up a platform to discuss, ask questions and elicit responses from vidwans and experts in the field.  Sangita Kalanidhi Vidushi R. Vedavalli has been in the field of music for over five decades.  She has the unique acclaim of being an eminent vocalist, a distinguished scholar and an experienced teacher.  She was fortunate to witness the stalwarts of yesteryears and imbibe their wisdom.  Renowned for her lecture demonstrations in India and abroad for over 25 years, she exudes clarity of thought, articulate speech and the ability to demonstrate whatever she has explained in a lucid manner.  Coming from an impeccable musical lineage she speaks with conviction and authority which is reflected in this book.