Indian Dance and Music Tradition: Yesudas And Mohammed Rafi

Indian Dance and Music Tradition: Yesudas And Mohammed Rafi

Yesudas And Mohammed Rafi

Both the singers have no comparison. Both are endowed with  the 'Creator's' immense blessings. Rafi with his Golden voice sings melodies which creates boundless passion. Das with his 'Gandharva' nada catches up equally.To my opinion the range of Yesudas sur-passes Rafi. As Rafi sung in Hindi Language which is spoken by majority Indians, he got more fame and glory. Das sings in Malayalam which is a small language confined to the little state of Kerala.

                An everlasting melody by Mohammed Rafi.The music is tunes by Bombay Ravi.

A word!

How am I to welcome you all!!

Chennai is getting excessively hot these days. Loads of watermelons are sold out in the markets of the city and outskirts.

In this scorching heat let's remain cool in the mind at least. There is a medicine for that. It's nothing but music. Not the modern music; for it will make us hotter than 'hot dogs'. The modern Cinematic  Dances are also not different. The cacophony and the gymnastic-like performance  will destroy whatever peace the mind has. 


 What I mean is the musics of the older genre, which caress the most tender passions of our heart like a mother caresses her baby. Music has no language, region or frontiers. It permeates through all barriers like air. That's my belief.

                                                     Let's hear a good music

The song is of an old Malayalam movie---Vivahitha (1970). Lyrics by Vayalar Ramavarma and music by late, G. Devarajan. Sung by Dr. K.J. Yesudas

Now what about some music

Once there was a golden age for malayalam Movie musics. In those days film-song lyrics were written by well known poets of Malayalam language and to tune the lyrics as per the story demands, were good musicians. They were proficient in classical karnatic and Hindustan musics. The songs of those golden days are still green in our memories.

Here is a song written by late Shri. Vayalar Ramavarma And tuned by   late Shri. G. Devarajan. Devarajan initially was a very good classical performer. Later on he gave up classical music for the sake of cinema music.

Dance and Culture

Art and music is closely linked to the cultural Heritage of a country. As India has got a rich and varied past, our culture is of a peculiar descent. Many saints were born here. Some of them taught spiritual lessons to their disciples. Some became great dancers, and others well known musicians and painters.

The western and European countries have also their culture and tradition. But that is very much different from those of India's.

"Salsa' is a western classical music. When I first watched it, it seemed to me an exact replica of Bollywood cinematic dance. The globalization might have resulted in a fusion of cultures. The swirls, movements and jumps of the dance altogether give picture of a good gymnastic performance. The costumes worn by dancers give nothing but super erotic feeling. In the picture given the lady's boobs are mostly exposed. There is no expression on the dancers face except that poor smile.

Here one thing is to be remembered. In about 50 % of the countries of the world, illicit sex is not prohibited by law. Their enjoyment is mainly sex. So it is quite natural that their dance will also be reflection of that. You may yourselves compare the dances from the videos and reach in your judjement.


This is my opinion. Those who refute are free to do so please!

                                                        Salsa By Maria Moore

Manipuri

Manipuri is a classical dance for of Manipur State. Its theme is mainly devotional and is performed in temples especially on certain religious occasions. The nritha is often referred to as 'sankirtan'. Even though differs form other dance forms, Manipuri is richly traditional with Rasa Lila and Pung Cholom as the most important forms.

Manipuri dance-music has its own characteristics. North Indian Hindustani music is used in Manipuri alo. But there are differences in the names of "ragas' and 'thalas"

Manipuri is unique among the Indian Classical Dances, in that, elaborate instrumentation is the central part of the dance.Cymbals, Manipuri Mridanga (Pung) are the common instruments. In addition; harmonium,Pen,Bansuri, Sangh etc. are also widely used.

Rasa Lila is the most attractive form of Manipuri Dance. The theme concentrates on the love of Lord Krishna and gopikas. Physical love is often construed as a metaphor of spiritual love. In other words, Radha-Krishna love is something divine. It is performed in temples, in closed places called "Natta Mandap'

Manipuri dance developed in second century A.D The    King Khuyoi was a great patron of this dance.However the dance was introduced by king Kyamba.Since then the dance has changed a lot over the years.

                                                    The picturesque Manipuri Dance 

                                          

Mohiniyattam

Moohiniyattam originated in the state of Kerala as a temple dance performed by devadasis. It portrays feminine love-carnal, devotional and maternal' with emphasis on lasya and bhava. In the main items Cholkkettu, padavarnam and padam, mudras and facial expressions are more important than rhythmic steps.

Costumes and ornaments of Mohiniyattam have much in common with the female characters of Koodiyattam and Kathakali.

                        
                                                     

                                       Mohiniyattam performance by Ananda Ganapathy                   

Kathakali

A dance-drama, highly stylized, of the state of Kerala. It originated from the precursor drama called 'Ramanattam' and owes its share of  techniques of 'Krishnanattam' also.The costumes and make ups are very attractive.The body movements are complementary to the percussion music. Late Mahakavi Valllathole Narayana Menon  was a great patron of this dance-drama.


Kathakali has recently gained reputation in foreign countries also.

                             

Odissi

The dance of Oidsha (Orissa) is one of the sixth acknowledged  form of Indian classical dances. The rhythm, mudras and Bhangis used in odissi have distinct style of their own. The king Mahamegavahan Kharvela gave patronage to this dance.  

                                         A wonderful perfrmance by Karherine Ryan

This Pallavi Odissi is performed by Sujatha Mohapatra, It is noted for its lasya and soft abhinaya

Kathak

It is a major dance form of north India. The word Kathak means 'to tell a story'.When the patronage shifted from  temples to royal courts,there was a change in the overall emphasis. From the story telling, today the dance is an abstract exploration of rhythm and movement.

Kathak is very much associated with an institution known as 'tawaif'.This was misunderstood as an institution of female entertainers. The foot works and body movements in Kathak are really appreciative. 'Tabla' is a major instrument that follow north Indian dances.  

A scintillating performance by Meghranjini

                                                         A kathak Performance

Kuchipudi

The dance originated in Andhra Pradesh, Krishna District. This sacred dance was passed over the 'parampara' chain (from teachers to students), performed exclusively by  Bhramins of Kuchelapuram village.

Kuchipudi is blended with the art of dance, energetic jumps, sensible play of eyes and above all quick and skilled motions. A kuchipudi dancer, in addition to all, require thorough mastery of 'abhinaya' (miming). Some of the famous kuchipudi dancers are Archana Raja, Varsha Uma, R. Uma, Subhiksha and Varsha.

Kuchipudi by Pratheeksha Kashi

Hema Malini, actress of bygone years in Kuchipudi  

Bharathanatyam

Bharathanatyam is a resplendent gem among Indian classical dances. It is believed to be originated in Tamil Nadu some 3000 years back, and is regarded as the oldest among classical dances.

Bharathanatyam once known as 'dasiyattam' was performed in Hindu Temples. It is known for its rhythmic, vigorous, crisp movements; sculptural poses  combining the energy of nritha and the lasya and passion of nritya. it involves several hand mudras (gestures) and expressions of face and eyes.


The term 'Bharathanatyam' was coined by Purandaradasa (1484-1564). Late Shri. Ghanam Krishna Iyer was a famous Bharathanatyam singer. The social status of this 'dasiyattam' was restored by Rukmini Devi Arundale. Bharathanatyam is performed in different styles like Pandallur style, Tanjore style etc.


Costumes
Costumes are very rich for this classical dance. It comprises the typical south Indian silk sari , matching ornaments and other adornments.

 A wonerfull 'Thillana' performance by famous dancer actress Sobhana

A performance by Dhriti in Chennai in 2008

   

Sangeet Natak Academy

This academy for the progress and welfare of performing arts was established in 1952. The Academy recognizes eight types of dances as 'classical' in India. These are:


1. Bharathanatyam
2. Kuchipudi
3. Mohiniattam
4. Kathakali
5. Manipuri
6. Odissi
7. Kathak
8. Sattriya

Hidtory of Indian Classical dances

The origin of Indian classical dances dates back to the prehistoric period several centuries before Christ. Scientific and archeological evidences endorse this point.

The Myths point out that the 'Thandava nritha' performed by Lord Siva embodies creation, sustenance and destruction. Lord Siva is considered as an embodiment of dance.


Lord Brahma was pressurised by other Dewas to create Something for the enjoyment of the common people. Brahma created a fifth Veda taking out the essence from the four other Vedas. This fifth veda came to be known as 'Natyaveda'. Lord Brahma entrusted this to Bharathamuni to popularize. Bharathamuni was an ascetic who is supposed to be lived between the first and second century. He wrote the first authoritative treatise for Indian traditional dances, called 'Natyasasthra'. Natyasasthra contains the basic principles of all types of dances.


The themes of Indian classical dances are invariably taken  from 'Puranas' and 'Ithyhasas'. As the dance progresses, it passes through three different stages.


a) Nritha:- This constitutes the rhythm created by the instruments that accompany the dance and music.


b) Nritya:- Here the dancer starts dancing to the tune of the music and the percussion instruments that follow. With her/his peculiar foot-work, the 'noopura' anklets follows the instuments and music and the three collectively creates a state of synchronization. At the same time the peculiar 'Bhavas' (emotions) appears and disappears on the face of the dancer and her body also follows the rythmic patterns.


c) Natya:- This is the stage of ' Abhinaya' (miming-acting). As  the story demands different kinds of emotions appear and disappear on the dancers face. (dramatic elements are embedded in the dance recital) The foot-work is slightly reduced at this stage. There are nine different types of' bhavas' (emotions), as follows,


i) Hasya (happiness)
ii) khroda (anger)
iii)Bhibhatsa (disgust)
iv) Bhaya (fear)
v) Vira (courage)
vi) Karuna (compassion)
vii) Adbhudha (wonder)
viii) Santa (serenity)
ix) sringara (love)


Indian classical dances originated in temples. The beautiful girls danced in front of the presiding deity to worship it. The dances in each region of India grew in different ways as per the customs and traditions of that region. The lady dancers in temples were called 'Devadasis'. ( 'worshippers of God'). They were placed in high esteem by the society.


Later on ruling kings of different dynasties came to enjoy the beautiful art form. They began to patronize the dancers. They loved their dance and their bodies also. That was a stage of defamation to the devadasis. People started to see them as prostitutes. However, Indian dances have now regained their glorified past. Dances have now come out from temples to stages. The modern dancers have brought many renovations in the classical dances; but all rooted in the traditional principles of Natyasasthra. 


Now the glory of  Indian dances has spread to various parts of the globe......Read more 

Nrithayoga

The renowned dancer Balasaraswathy once made a remark that nritha (dance) is originally 'nrithayoga'. That is an absolute truth. While dance enthralls the minds of spectators, it acts as yogic exercise for the performer. It invigorates their mind, makes their body powerful and above all keeps away diseases.

This remark of her's points to the fact that talented children should be screened out and given practice in the young ages.

Music, Music

Here.I am Giving old Malayalam and Hindi Musics

A wonderful creation by Devarajan,  sung by beloved 'Dasettan'

Love through pictures!

These pictures are given by Bina Madam, my immediate officer. They are in fact a sign of love. 

Dance, Dance

I don't know when it all started, my relentless love of dance. Perhaps two years back, when my children stared studying classical dance in a Chennai school. (Chennai has a large number of such schools and academies-Know more).

Till that time my world was confined to listening music, cooking, a bit reading and of course office, which according to me is a means of livelihood.

Now, at times I go with my children to their school to watch the children perform. The school functions in a house in the midst of a housing colony. Many foreign students are also studying here. All of them are residing in rented portions of houses in the locality. The upper floor of the house is a hall sufficiently large to teach the children conveniently.

I cuddle up in one corner of the hall as the children study, wrapping myself up in the mystic glory of 'Karnatic' chanting and the rhythmic sound of their 'Noopur' (anklet). The teachers of this school are all well known artists and their monthly fees is quite affordable. That is why we opted for this school.

                                           An amazing song by late Shri. Mohammed Rafi

            

Sattriya

The dance belongs to the State of Assam. It is an Indian classical dance which reflects India's culture, its legacy and heritage of over 5000 years

                                 
                                                         A Sattriya performance

Chennai eulogy

Chennai needs no introduction. The Capital city of the southernmost state of India, Tamil Nadu, is very famous for classical arts. Not a single day passes in this city without having a classical music concert or dance programme at one place or other. Art is as dear to Chennaites as their own Tamil Language, Idali, Sambar, Vadai, the head flowers of women and 'bindi' on their foreheads. The city has given birth to innumerable artists in the field of music and dance.

           

Life's like that!

1. A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is not quite sure!


2. A gun gives you the body, not a bird!


3. In three words I can sum up all I have studied in life. It goes on!


4. Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow!


5. You can buy all gadgets that are supposed to bring happiness, but you cannot buy happiness!


6.Television is very much educating for me. Every time somebody opens it, I go to the other room andread a book!


7. Good girls go to heaven, but bird girls to everywhere!


8. A male gynecologist is like an auto mechanic who has never owned a car!


Now listen to a melodious song done by late M.S. Baburaj

Another song from the old Malayalam Movie 'Agnipareeksha'

Lyrics by late Shri. Vayalar Ramavarma, Music late Shri. G. Devarajan and sung by Dr. K.J. Yesudas