LecDem 19 - Vidvan MD Ramanathan, a Centenary Tribute at The Music Academy Madras 2022

Date: 27 Dec 2022, 8.00 am
By Vidvan Rama Varma

[@ramaswamyranganathan6664]

Sanjana deserves standing applause for such a moving rendering of Sagara Sayana

[@Drvswami]

There is a verse in Bhartṛhari’s nītiśatakam : परिवर्तिनि संसारे मृतः को वा न जायते । parivartini saṁsārē mr̥taḥ kō vā na jāyatē . स जातो येन जातेन याति वंशः समुन्नतिम् ॥ sa jātō yēna jātēna yāti vaṁśaḥ samunnatim .. In the cycle of worldly existence of birth and death, who is not born again while he dies? It is he who deserves his birth by whom his lineage attains dignity. In the case of Vidvan Sri MDR, the word vaṁśa could only mean the entire Carnatic musical lineage. I must have enormous सुकृतम् (sukṛtam) to have been an ardent listener of Shri MDR and to listen to Vidvan Rama Varma’s exquisite presentation on MDR. An extraordinary presentation on a musical giant by a musician who is a consummate rasika. My namaskarams to Rama Varma.

[@nayantaranair7603]

I have seen Prince Rama Varma at the Madras Music Academy just three times. Once, to felicitate his friend Sanjay Subrahmanyan when he got the Sangeetha Kalanidhi, once when he gave an outstanding concert in the morning and now, giving this extraordinary lecture about M.D.Ramanathan! It is fascinating to observe how he gets a perfect score every single time! I had been a casual listener of carnatic music and had never been attracted to the music of M.D.Ramanathan, until I started to listen to Prince Rama Varma. But the way this lecture was presented was just beyond words! The comments by the musicians in the audience at the end of the lecture reflect what, all of us feel. I hope the Music Academy and others finally realize the value of this unique and special artist and don't make the same mistake that they did with M.D.Ramanathan, which still continues to be talked about, two decades later.

[@padmaoruganti9179]

Beautifully Prince Rama Varma guru 🙏

[@harithahariharanprashant533]

A One point stop to learn about the legendary MD Ramanathan. A posthumous honour given by the legendary Prince Rama Varma , the best choice for the subject. Unlike a lot of lecturers Prince Rama Varma has demonstrated his piece in a matter of fact adorned with glorious examples and not glorified the lecdem with tall unbelievable tales. This lecdem demolishes barriers of age, class, ethnicity etc as it appeals to one and all. I sincerely hope this masterpiece presented get its due and is rewarded with all due credit and Prince Rama Varma gets honoured for his extraordinary expertise on time, unlike the maestro MD Ramanathan, as all rewards and awards are valuable if received on time .

[@lakshmisrivaths3100]

Such a soulful, sensitive, superb lec dem! Wonder why the Music Academy confers Sangeetha Kalanidhi on only one artist a year when there are many deserving artists - in the future I hope artists’ of Vidwan MDR’s caliber dont get missed out

[@ashrithharith3474]

While your wishes are very generous, I don’t think there can be one with the caliber of MDR. Na Bhootho, NA Bhavishyathi 🙏🏻

[@rmgnair]

Enthralling and enticing lecdem by Varmaji on the great legend MDR Sir who lives in our hearts. Within the short time allotted to him, the Prince had justified the vast topic of revealing the greatness of MDR's music, personality, guru bhakthi, and so on. Sangeetha Kalanithis TVG Sir, Santhanagopalan Sir, and others supplemented the lecdem through their live memories. MDR Sir will live in the hearts of all Sangeetha Rasikas and those looking for great music for ever.😀👋👋👋👋🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏✌✌✌✌

[@makeuptime97]

Thanks to Prince Rama Varma and The Music Academy for this wonderful lec dem on Sri MDR. As rightly pointed out, the Academy missed to give Kalanidhi to Sri MDR instead he missing it.. If the rules permit, why can't the Music Academy think of honouring such a great Vidwan of this caliber with the Sangita Kalanidhi posthumously as done for the Bharat Ratna?

[@karunakarprocessengg]

The best lecture demonstration I have heard , it is straight from the heart I believe and he has truly succeeded in conveying the greatness of MDR to listeners like me. It will be very difficult to get rid of the booming voice in my head. Thank you Prince Rama varma and The music Academy Madras.

[@sheilladevisalitoray8316]

Kudos to Madras Academy for inviting the right (and probably THE best) person to speak of MDR Sir. Well structured lec dem that touches the salient characteristics of the vidhwan. Just like how MDR Sir has internalised music, Prince Rama Varma seem to have imbibed MDR Sir in many aspects, which is why there is 'jeeva' in his presentation - that extra something that can only present when one immerse oneself in it. Thoroughly enjoyed the insightful and heartfelt talk. Hoping to hear more of Prince Rama Varma's lec dems in future!

[@radhakrishnans5612]

A wonderful trip down memory lane. This session offers lovely insights into his music. As an MDR aficionado, every new nugget of his musical journey is great to experience. Thanks Sri Rama Varma.

[@samuelvijayakumar1871]

It’s high time Music Academy should give Prince Rama Varma Sangeetha Kalanidhi

[@sampathkumarthattai8808]

All sabhas atleast four times in a year these tribute lecture programs from the true deciples of such legends, present generation will learn more n more. Thanks to music academy

[@deepavr893]

🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@laxmikrishnapuri9806]

Excellent references on MD Ramanathan & Tigher Varadha char by Prince Rama Varma. Good knowlege about legendary Vidwans. Prestigeous lecture & demonstration by Prince Rama Varma

[@varadharajanranganathan3761]

Brilliant!! Salutes to Prince Rama Verma ji for the wonderful presentation. As for the nIlAmbari divya nAma kIrtana - i actually searched for it in srI TKG's book. I heard it in one of the concerts and was so moved and wanted to memorize the words.

[@kasinathanupindi]

All I can offer is 🙏🙏 Sir for an awesome lecdem.

[@SachiRSachidananda]

Prince Rama Varma is unique - a blend of a student, teacher, organiser and commentator all rolled into one. He still has a disarming boyish way of speaking. MDR made a huge impact on me in 60s when he came to Bidaram Rama Mandira in Mysore. His drawl was as charming/amusing as his mannerisms, his voice as deep as his musical thoughts. He revelled in good accompaniment. His silences were more introspective than for effect. His music was like jackfruit - either you love it or hate it! The Lec-dem gave great glimpses in a style reminiscent of a visit to a kid's play area full of toys - a bit here and a bit there. I wish a full song with accompaniment had been presented. Amrutha makes her presence felt everywhere - in a great way of course!

[@rajamkasiviswanathan8439]

Prince Vidvan Rama Varma is an encyclopaedia by himself. I always wonder how to listen to him daily to pickup something…. Feel very small in front of these giants.. what a contribution to this art.

[@meenakshimurali5864]

Very good one. Outstanding presentation. Prince has done nice mimicry on balamurali, mdr.. Very densely packed info. He is fast-forwarding on many places and suggested listening from you tube.. this is a good thing. looking for support from audience on rare recordings.. giving this a unique immersive experience He had created a great template for tributes. The experience can linger on - just like MDR music - with additional work for one to do - listen to more of MDR. He also embedded a wonderful tribute for MSG as well on thraithheyagaradha rendering.. 👍👍👌👌👏👏 Great presentation..

[@cspancham]

Prince Rama Varma has internalised music. We all know that. What is known now is that in the process of paying homage to MDR , he has also internalised MDR . One of the most outstanding presentation this Margazhi.

[@rajamkasiviswanathan8439]

Sanjana made me cry . She sang with so much perfection and bhakti bhava❤

[@sriBsai]

Very informative presentation on beloved MDR. It takes courage to have strong convictions and MDR is an exemplification of how one should be true to one’s own musical self. He is an inspiration. He is a statement. Thank you Vid Shri Rama Varma for bringing out the spirit of MDR into your presentation. My Dearest Ramanathan - MDR ❤️💕 And huge thanks to Music Academy for publishing these lectures online.

[@muralik1954]

Namaskarams to Sri MDR SIR.. Sri Rama vermas presentation is, TO SIR WITH LOVE

[@gajamukhu]

Excellent presentation. Of all the clips, that Gowlipantu at 1:08:00 was the most spectacular. A veritable unpolished diamond!

[@krishnamanian]

“It is quite admirable for the Prince Rama Verma, (Kerala) to evince so much of interest to our most endearing Carnatic Music. His speech is quite interesting. Quite revealing. He paid high tributes to his ‘Guru’ That is important…is it not? - “M.K.Subramanian.”

[@gitamanian]

Really lovely..listened to all 2 plus hours without a stop.

[@balasubrahmaniyamk661]

What a way of Guru Vandana? Ramavarma's unique way

[@padren1]

Wonderful prog. No matter how many times one listens to the ocean of MDR’s music, it remains refreshing and divine. The selection of gowlibanthu in the Leiden perhaps is the brilliant choice of Rama Varma to showcase the brilliance of MDR. It gives goosebumps…

[@MrSivakris1]

What an insightful lecdem... Gowlipanthu song was magic..

[@sampathkumarthattai8808]

రామ వర్మ గారు, అనేక వందనాలు,స్వర్గీయ m d ramanathan the legend గురించి అద్భుత వివరాలు అందించినందుకు, మన prof. Pinakapani గుర్తుకు వచ్చారు.

[@krishnamurthynarasipur2556]

The best lec. demo. of the year in my opinion. Well researched and equally scholarly presented.

[@ramamothi9821]

Super lec. Dem. Thanks for uploading.

[@anoorananthakrishnasharma6550]

Perfect Demonstration about the great man and legend

[@sankarsarma987]

Lovely lecdem. Pranaams

[@devisobhana8220]

❤ what else to say for this wonderful share of knowledge 🙏❤️

[@velchetisubrahmanyam5452]

An exemplary lec dem

[@sarigama7]

A wonderful session

[@SivaKameswari]

That was a wonderful, informative and lovely presentation by our Guruvugaru Prince Rama Varma garu...!!☺️🙏 During my school days, I used to follow All in One. Single text book for All subjects. Same way, If we can follow Prince Guruvugaru we will come to know about more Artists like MDR, Rare compositions.. etc. And Hansini...!!☺️ You are a lucky girl...!!👌❤️

[@KrishnanKrishnan-pj8ub]

Thanks so much. MDR like Semmangudi is also my favourite

[@malathysethuram6787]

Superb Prince

[@krishnanhariharan4893]

Amazing

[@sowgrowreap]

🙏✨

[@m.muraleedharannambeesan7653]

Pranam Gurugee🙏🙏🙏

[@RamachandranSankar]

Wonderful presentation Sir..👏👏💐🙏

[@nairreghunath]

Too fast..... wish to hear to a 24 hours talk on MDR....I know am asking for too much

[@anuradhag3131]

pranams Guruji

[@krishnapriyas4673]

🙏

[@aparnack]

43:00

[@chennaismilzo]

As a point to make this section more complete ( and not to detract ) one aspect missed is MDRs love for raga kedaram

[@vijayrk7329]

Sriram Parashuram on MDR is also a must listen.

[@AsuriSaran]

Dear Mr. Rama Verma ... you hit the nail on its head.... The indians do not appreciate and respect our own contribution but we believe that a white man is superior ... It is extremely sad to hear that....