Explore the art of iconic Carnatic musicians l KV Narayanaswamy l Let’s Talk Carnatic l MOPA

The 9th episode of MOPA’s series titled Explore features the celebrated Carnatic musician K V Narayanaswamy (1923 - 2002) in his centenary year. He was a disciple of the great Ariyakkudi Ramanuja Iyengar. Amongst other things, KVN was known for his impeccable sruti alignment, which allowed him to effortlessly render complex compositions and intricate ragas. His emotive and nuanced approach to singing captivated audiences and left a lasting impact on all those who had the privilege of listening to him. Fortunately, a sizeable collection of high-quality recordings of his music are available and serve as a lasting testament to his superlative artistry.
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 episode 8 of Explore, young and exceptionally skilled Carnatic musician Sriranjani Santhanagopalan navigates these questions using recording excerpts of KV Narayanaswamy. She examines the musician’s approach to vocal technique, handling of compositional and creative components (like neraval, ragam-tanam-pallavi and viruttam), and a host of related aspects. She offers her own interpretations and observations based on what she has heard and analysed.
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:
Sriranjani Santhanagopalan
Charsur
KZbin channels:
Sangeeta Rasika
Carnatic Ecstasy
Rishi Manoharan
Photographs:
Jody Viswanathan
Music Academy Photo Archives
Nadabhrnga
anuradhamahesh.wordpress.com
Ariyakkudi Facebook Page
chowdaiahandparvati.blogspot
Mylapre Times
groups/kvnarayanaswamy
Dhvani Ohio
Palghatfinearts.org
sakthibalan.in
Hindustani Classical Music & Everything
Camera: Prashanth
Editing: Santhosh Sivan, 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.

[@gayathrik5070]

Such an interesting perspective. Thank you

[@anuradhakrishnamurthi9852]

My heartfelt congratulations to smt. sriranjani and MOPA for such a detailed enjoyable, emotional perspective of Naada Yogi Sri. K. V . Narayanaswamy's musical journey. It was

[@indirasubramaniam5571]

Thank you MOPA.The Purnathvam in Sri KVN's music is hard to find elsewhere.

[@peterpresto9516]

in this age of monetizing every aspect of the concert, special thanks to MOPA for organizing and editing this entire series, all for free to the rasikas

[@ravishanker6925]

excellent. i was thrilled to see the image of T brinda and KVN together at 1.49.07!!

[@kvchellappa1]

Nice. You are yourself an example of 'Do whatever you do, do properly -Seyvana thiruntha sey.'

[@dilipvarma7807]

For hecharika, mridangam is not by shri. Raghu, it is by shri. Sivaraman

[@maheshnarayan6440]

The mridangam accompaniment for yadukula kambhoji neraval for ninnu juda is Raghu sir, or UKS sir? I hear many ara chapus, and the nadam sounds more like UKS sir to me.

[@pradyumnakanthamraju6111]

Can someone please clarify, which viruttam is being sung at 58:46. Thank you in advance

[@aluruuma67]

My cordial request to the anchor to give respect to the great legend of Carnatic music by not calling him KVN. Instead she should have told Shri KVN with due respect to his Vidwath n age.

[@socrates6087]

In carnatic music circles it is very common to use initials without any prefix or suffix. Just focus on the main topic and dont get into such trivialities. She has the utmost respect for KVN.