NAVYA C
DIVINITY IN MUSIC- IS IT AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT ?
Whether it is Indian Classical or Western Classical Music or even folklore , devotion Is a prime part of relishing it . People find It energizing by offering the prasadam , gifts , or expensive luxury goods – and calling themselves a staunch devotee .
The ultimate path towards enlightenment is through music and every sage agrees to it . However , the social conditions were also responsible for making Carnatic music a devotional celebration . Most of the legendary trinity as well focussed on their favourite deity and wrote wonderful compositions that would even till date . Ancient composers like Annnamayya and Kshetrayya surrendered themselves towards God and dedicated all their compositions to the lord .
However , the thinking with changing times has given some new ideas to Saint Thyagaraja in particular . His interesting kriti “ Entha Nerchina ” says that no matter how much you learn , how much you see , how much you enjoy a stream of pleasures , you are a slave to a woman .
With new composers emerging in the past century such as Bharatiyaar , Muttaiah Bhagavatarm Dr . M . Balamurali Krishna , Carnatic compositions that mean social lives , the atrocities , and contemporary issues can also be expressed vividly . These composers focused on the basic atrocities that have happened around them . And it all started with Annamayya with his amazing composition “ Brahmamokkate ” which talks about the caste system and questions why can ’ t they learn in school .
Indeed , this is a beautiful way to show God about what all atrocities are happening in our planet , with a hope that a savior would come to clear all these problems .
In fact , Thyagaraja Pancharatna Kriti Dudukugala has ripped apart many such notions . He speaks vividly and in-depth saying , “ When you have Lord Rama on your side , what is the purpose of going behind unnecessary and temporary pleasures . The lines really hit the listener and starmaking us think twice when we go to the next temple and donate in the hundi !
The ultimate path of enlightenment comes through devotion for sure . But if this valued form of music is used for throwing light on contemporary issues as well , the scope of Carnatic Music expands even more beautifully . As every art changes with changing times , even the perception and metamorphosis of Classical Music has led to new waves . Carnatic Music keeps divinity and devotion at the top level of the pedestal but with lyrical emphasis on social message , introspection , and the way of living in life- the form of music has undergone a fantastic change .
Saint Thyagaraja ’ s Swara Raga Sudha is another fantastic rendition that lays emphasis on human introspection and leading the journey towards spiritual eternity .
With the dawn of the new year 2022 , let us dwell on the appreciation of Carnatic Music and its versatile emphasis on social awareness , spirituality – a myriad of topics along with devotional music .
The Score Magazine
28 highonscore . com