The 8th episode of MOPA’s series titled Explore features Sethalapathy Balasubramaniam (1937 – 2004), a self-styled, self-effacing Carnatic vocalist who is cherished for his unique approach to music. He was a direct disciple of the great 20th century composer Papanasam Sivan and imbibed from the master, a highly devotional articulation in song, as well as a sizeable repertoire of Tamil compositions. Musicians who attended his chamber soirees came away with a lingering longing for more. The few recordings of his music available today point to musicianship of high order.
Is tradition set in stone? Is not change even within a musician’s lifetime in the natural order of things? Does custom or convention in musical practice have to be held sacrosanct at the cost of organic modification or adaptation? An artiste creates and modifies, subtly or otherwise, his or her style for several reasons – physical, emotional, intellectual, political or aesthetic. A stellar artiste preserves tradition not as a rigid, fossilized keepsake but as an intelligent amalgamation of inherited values as well as current inclinations.
In this episode of Explore, exceptionally talented Carnatic musicians Sriranjani Santhanagopalan and Ashwath Narayanan navigate these questions using musical excerpts of Sethalapathy Balasubramaniam. They examine the musician’s approach to tonality, modulation, handling of composition and lyric as well as creative components, grammar and a host of related aspects and offer their own interpretations and observations. Every episode in this series promises a volley of insights into the musical style and technique of the musician being discussed. A treat for students, aspiring musicians, lay as well as experienced listeners.
These conversations are not intended to conclude, merely to present points to ponder.
Acknowledgements
Audio Excerpts:
From the family of Sethalapathy Balasubramaniam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCR7B6m_owo - RajNamboodiri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHF67rqNfQ0 - musicandsrividya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCqGKRphI8c - Subramanian Krishnan
Kruthi and Keerthana Bhat
Visual and Sound Editing: Santhosh, ZoeTrope Company
Produced by MOPA Foundation ©2023
This episode and its contents are intended for personal or educational use only and may not be used in any commercial form without prior written permission.