Charulatha Mani

Hildegard in India by Heather Lee, with Charulatha Mani, Kim Cunio and Tunji Beier Pleased to share this latest album "Hildegard in India" on which I collaborated with world renowned composer Professor Kim Cunio, soprano Heather Lee and percussionist Tunji Beir. The album draws parallels between the spiritual songs of Hildegard von Bingen and spiritual chants in Sanskrit. Recorded at Brisbane, Australia, the album has some ethereal moments worth revisiting and cherishing. Relax and enjoy this offering featuring some of the most precious ragas of Indian music embedded within an intriguing soundscape featuring a Steinway Grand Piano played by composer Kim himself. I remember the recording fondly, there were moments where the entire crew found themselves tearing up at the sheer beauty and power of the ancient Latin and Sanskrit lyrics in gentle interplay with dulcet gamakas and operatic inflection. 

The wonderful melodies of singing sensation TM Soundararajan are recalled by Dr Charulatha Mani in her signature style of Isai Payanam. Birth Anniversary of TMS falls on March 24 Film Songs mentioned in the video: ' Yaar Poi Solluvaar ' ( Harichandra 1968): an outstanding piece in Mukhari . The opening phrase ‘S, RND SRM’, clearly points to Mukhari. The sheer helplessness of Harischandra’s situation is sketched well with the help of Mukhari raga. The piece-de-resistance in Mukhari is of course ‘ Vaada Malare ’ from  ( Ambikapathy  1957). The opening sangati ‘PMGRS / RMPDP’ replete with light gamakas is most suited to this raga. ' Sindhanai Sei Maname'  ( Ambikapathy 1957): The melodic beauty of Kalyani has added a third dimension to many a movie. Here, G. Ramanathan showcases the key phrases of the raga . In the lines “Sentamizhkarul gnana desaganai,” the embellishments free-wheeling from the tara sthayi gandhara are a treat. ' Thottal Poo Malarum '

Isai Payanam is inspired by great musicians. Dr Charulatha Mani discusses classical film hits of MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar and shares interesting links between classical music and film songs - a nostalgic journey that also urges us to think about music differently! Film Songs of MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar: The song that probably tops every playlist in  Charukesi  ragam would be ‘ Manmadha Leelaiyai ' from the film ' Haridas' . This song was one of the earliest appearances of Charukesi on the silver screen, and till today, remains one of the best. In the sonorous voice of M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavatar and the music and lyrics of Papanasam Sivan (orchestration of G Ramanathan), this song is a delight. In the lines '...En mel unakkeno paraamugam...' there is a plethora of sangatis, each one unfurling from the top Sadja and landing at various vital notes. 'Vasantha ruthu mana mohaname'  in Vasantha ragam from the film ' Sivakavi'  is sung tunefully by MKT.

  Dr Charulatha Mani recalls her interactions with the legendary violin artist and composer Sri Kunnakudi Vaidhyanathan including several of his film songs. Film Songs composed by Kunnakudi Sri Vaidhyanathan: “ Marudamalai maamaniye ” from the film “ Deivam ” sung with a plethora of stunning sangatis by Madurai Somu) is an evergreen treat in Durbarikaanada . In the phrase “kulam kaakum velaiyya ayya” the notes “G,M, RSD,,” take our breath away. We can soak in the raga’s complete rasa throughout this imperial piece. In “ Andavan darisaname ” ( Agasthiyar ) T. R. Mahalingam seamlessly scales the raga, adorning it with many a sangati. This song also begins in the upper Sadja, true to the character of Jonpuri .  “ Isaiyai Tamizhai ” from “ Agasthiyar ” is a lilting piece in Kharaharapriya , complemented by the voices of Seerkazhi Govindarajan and T R Mahalingam, makes this complex piece an aural treat. ‘ Bhairavi Thunaivan Paadam Paninthu Unnai Vendriduven...,’ sings Seerkazhi Govindaraja

Kharaharapriya ragam has certain important prayogas and regions. Our integrity and committment towards these prayogas need to be evident in our neraval. Nevaral combines rhythmic and melodic improvisation, lending itself to various interesting patterns, both musically and poetically. This recording that I have presented will help students and performers of Indian classical music to holistically understand the affordances and constraints of neraval. Comment on the video or here in the blog - happy to respond. Best wishes, Charulatha Mani

 Live Video Recording of Isai Payanam @ Humour Club, 10th December 2023 Other season concerts be published soon! Subscribe to Isai Payanam Youtube Channel and enable notifications to receive updates Follow this blog to get notified of new content.