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Navarasa A musical expression of emotions |
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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 24 April 2006 |
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Navarasa - A musical expression of Emotions
By Vaishnavi Rao
 Bright afternoon light streamed in through the windows illuminating the main temple hall of the Hindu Bhavan at Morrisville NC, which resonated with the combined renditions of south Indian classical music by Triangles top three vocalists, Akila Ganapathy, Meera Krishnamoorthy and Mathangi Shankar. They were ably accompanied by P.K.Sridhar on the violin and Partha Aji on the mridangam. 'Navarasa - A musical expression of emotions' a well coordinated event which started promptly at 4:30 pm on 04/22/06, lasted for an hour and half, was fairly well attended by the rasikas of Indian classical music in the triangle.
Taking turns in explaining the salient points and illustrating them by their melodious rendition of relevant pieces, the three vocalists presented an insight into the subtleties of Navarasa, exploring the nine rasas(emotions) using music.
Navarasa
Nava means "Nine" and Rasa is often translated as "mood", "emotion", "expression" or "sentiment". The Navarasa, in the scriptures refer to the nine expressions that humans often show. These nine rasas have been very well depicted by Prof. Balagopalan from Kalakshetra Dance Academy in Chennai These are:
The vocalists commenced their recital with a
varnam 'Angayarkanni' composed by Lalgudi Jayaraman.
This varnam runs us through a gamut of human emotions with anectodes from the Shiva Purana. The nine emotions of Devi Angayarkanni in her different manifestations are evocatively brought out in this musical masterpiece.
This item was followed by an item for each Rasa.
Hasya - song Thaye Yashoda - composer Oothukkadu Venkatasubba Iyer.
This song describes the various childhood antics of Lord Krishna.
Bhaya - song Pennivalalla Rama - composer Arunachala Kavi
This song from Ramanatakam describes the demoness Tataka in frighteningly vivid details. She is like the Lord of Death in disguise.
Roudra - song Rudrakopa - composer Muthuswamy Dikshitar
This song is about the legendary demon-god Veerabhadra, who is created by Lord Shiva in his fury to punish king Daksha.
Veera - song Nenjukku Needhi - composer Subramanya Bharatiyar
Bharatiar a poet and patriot sought to inspire people to be brave and fearless through his numerous songs on freedom movement.
Biibhatsya - song Nidhicala Sukama - composer Thyagaraja
In this song saint Thyagaraja expresses his feelings when Sarfoji Maharaja of Tanjore tries to overwhelm him with his wealth.
Adbhuta - song Vadavarayai - composer Ilango Adigal
Here the composer paints a vivid picture of the divinit of Mahavishnu who, as Vamana spans the whole world and as Krishna, goes as a messenger to the Pandavas.
Karuna - song O Raghuveera - composer Bhadrachala Ramadasa
O Raghuveera is a piteous plea of Bhadrachala Ramadasa who calls out to Lord Rama to come and save him.
Shringara - song Brindavana Nilaye - composer Oothukkadu Venkatasubba Iyer
This song isa beautiful description of the rasa kreeda where the Gopis nd the Gopas in Brindavana dance away endlessly with their lord, Krishna.
Shanta - song Maitreem Bhajata - composer Sri Chandrasekara Saraswati
This song represents complete harmony between the mind, body and the universe.Maitreem Bhajata is a prayer of peace rendered by the music legend Smt. M.S.Subbulakshmi at the United Nations is extremely relevant at a time when nations are at war with one another and within themselves over caste, creed, power and supremacy.
Matangi Shankar, Meera Krishnamoorthy, Akila Ganapathy
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Wonder or surprise (adbhutha)
Love (shringaara)
Laughter (haasya)
Fear (bhaya)
Valour/Courage (veera)
Anger (roudra)
Compassion (karuna)
Peace or tranquility (shaantha).
Disgust (bheebhatsya)
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 10 April 2007 )
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