NAVYA C
Women who are breaking the conventions in classical music
Carnatic Music is all about discipline , following principles and understanding the conventions before rendition or excelling in performance . But at the same time , breaking certain conventions and rules brings out a unique meaning to the genre altogether . The genre has been undergoing optimistic changes thanks to women artists who have broken conventions in a strong manner . As part of celebrating women ’ s day month , Score magazine throws light on women who have broken stigmas associated with classical music and how they did it in style :
1 . M . S . Subbulakshmi The legendary artist needs no introduction and she has been a pioneer in standardizing classical music to experts and common folk alike . She brought a unique glamor to Carnatic classical music with her impeccable charm , and definitive style in displaying devotion through her immortal voice
2 . M . L . Vasantha Kumari : She has brought magical elegance to the instrument veena with her swift renditions and not compromising on the melody at any stage . Vasantha Kumari has been responsible for inspiring many women to take up veena as a practising instrument by breaking conventional barriers in style of playing .
3 . Bombay Sisters Saroja and Lalitha : Since 70s decade , Bombay Sisters have been a popular name in the field of Carnatic music . They brought style to dual renditions with their standardized vocals and mystic aura . Even till date , every female aspiring duo take Bombay sisters as an inevitable inspiration .
4 . Priya Sisters Hari Priya and Shanmukha Priya : This duo has been making waves in Carnatic music with their impeccable renditions and sync in voices . The style of dual singing has been brought to light with their immortal renditions and they took Carnatic music to common folk who could thoroughly relish their singing renditions . They have also got prominence as Hyderabad Sisters and given concerts globally in the similar title .
5 . Ranjani Gayatri : Singing abhangs without the south Indian accent has been an undoable task for Carnatic musicians but this duo brought abhangs ( a devotional composition that is sung before the conclusion of concerts ) to life in South India . Their amazing on stage chemistry is another add-on along with the convention of singing Marathi in south Indian concerts .
6 . Jayanthi Often performed as an amazing veena player as an individual and also with Kumaresh , Jayanthi has been a wonder of veena on stage . She could pull off a three-hour concert in amazing ease and perfection .
7 . Sudha Raghunathan With her power-packed vocals and focused rendition even after doing fusion renditions , Sudha Raghunathan is a mustremember name in the field of Carnatic music . Along with long renditions that showcase a raaga lasting for hours , she has been a great name in the world of devotional music as well .
8 . Nityasree Mahadevan Carnatic music is all about power , and amazing vocal range . Nityasrree has earned a unique fan base with her power-packed vocals and she demystified the fact that women singers should sound soft and laid-back .
The Score Magazine highonscore . com
19