The name Lalgudi has become synonymous with excellence in classical music. The Lalgudi lineage that can be traced back to an illustrious disciple of the great saint composer Saint Tyagaraja, the family can be credited with keeping up the excellence in Carnatic music over several generations. Shri Lalgudi Jayaraman firmly established the “Lalgudi style” which embodies pristine purity, lucidity, superb clarity, melody, perfect rhythm and a deep emphasis on the sahitya (lyrics).

Lalgudi G.J.R Krishnan and his sister Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi are torch bearers of this tradition. Listening to them play, makes you feel as though the Violin is not made of inanimate wood but rather that it is an entity that is alive and can bring forth any emotion.

“Expression of Bhava” or feelings through music was the central theme of the Carnatic music lecture demonstration that was conducted by the brother-sister duo. They were assisted in this effort by New England’s Mridangam vidwan Shri Pravin Sitaram, who provided percussion support. Krishnan began by explaining the fundamentals of Carnatic music and the basis for the curriculum that has been attributed to Saint Purandara Dasa.

“Carnatic music is based on vocal music.” said Krishnan. The first Ragam or Scale that is taught to youngsters is “Mayamalavagowlai”. Why was it chosen? “This particular ragam has notes adjacent to each other. The “sa” and ri” are next to each other, as are “ga” and ma”. This makes it easy for a beginner to learn this scale. Originally Veena was the instrument used by Carnatic musicians. It is hard to spread the fingers apart and thus notes that are close together made it easy to learn” said Krishnan. The need for memorization was emphasized. “It is an oral tradition. We do not look at music. Thus training to memorize pieces is important” said Vijayalakshmi. They explained the need to learn Sarali Varisai, Janta Varisai and Thattu Varisai. “All these exercises give the student a strong sense of intonation and rhythm.

The duo beautifully brought out the concept of “Gamakam” as an ornamentation that helps bring out special emotions. They used Thyagaraja’s “Brova Barama Raghurama” in Bahudari to illustrate their point.

They proceeded to give a short concert beginning with “Brova Barama” and ending with a “Lalgudi Tillana” in Behag. Even though the concert was short, they were still able to showcase their expertise. Of course the audience was left longing for more. Pravin Sitaram did an admirable job providing percussion support.

The event was organized by Learnquest Academy and Chinamaya Maruti. At the end of the concert, Smt. Durga Krishanan, New England’s Veena vidushi brought a beautiful cake to celebrate the birthday of GJR Krishnan. Krishnan and his sister have birthday’s that are a day apart. Dr. Pradeep Shukla, founder of Learnquest Academy gave the vote of thanks.

The evening also witnessed another special event. GJR Krishnan released the new CD – “Navarasa” produced by New England’s flute vidwan, Shri. Raman. It was wonderful to see youngsters from New England who are learning Carnatic music sit through the concert and keep talam. We have the wonderful teachers of Carnatic Music like Smt. Durga Krishanan, Shri Pravin Sitaram and other members of the Learnquest Academy along with many other teachers in the area to thank for keeping this heritage alive and well in New England.

|