NAVYA.C
GREATEST
MONSOON RAGAS IN
CARNATIC MUSIC
Nature and music has a deeper connection since
primordial times. Right from rustle of leaves, to a swift
breeze- if looked carefully, every sound of nature is
musical and has a rhythm in itself. The varying hues
of sky with clouds and the sunset also evokes musical
melodies if perceived. Poets have linked the various
shades of music even with changing seasons of the year.
While spring speaks of bright and vibrant ragas like
Shankarabharanam, winter would be linked with sober
ragas like Purvi Kalyani! History has proven rightfully
that singing a particular monsoon raaga can also trigger
rain! Such incident happened when legendary composer
Muttuswami Dikshitar sang the raaga Amrutavarshini
leading to rainfall. When the composer sang Varshaya
varshaya during a particular incident when the lands
were struggling with no rainfall, the drizzle happened
just through the rendition of Amruthavarshini!
Especially after a blazing phase of summer with sweltering
heat and humidity, the first showers of monsoon is a
welcome relief. There is nothing more soothing than
grabbing a cup of filter coffee while witnessing the drizzle
from a corner window of the house or a cozy balcony
listening to a laid back aalapana of a Carnatic raaga! The
first obvious monsoon raaga is Amruthavarshini which
literally means the creator of nectar rain. Compositions
like Aanandamruta Varshini can always be cherished by
the music connoisseur. The modern composer Muttaiah
Bhagavatar also composed Sudhamayi, a crisp kriti in the
same raga. Ramapriya is another rare raga which is quite
eloquent in creating the monsoon effect. Interestingly,
Muttuswami Dikshitar composed Swaramyaham- one of
the navagraha kritis under the honor of planet Rahu. The
modern age composer Dr.M.Balamurali Krishna’s varnam
in Ramapriya is another fantastic composition not to miss.
Amrutha Behag created by legendary musician GNB is
also greatly known for its monsoon melodious counterpart.
The raaga Madhyamavati is conventionally used in
Carnatic concerts during the conclusion but it is also
known for monsoon feels. The Hindustani equivalents of
Madhyamavati such as Madhumat Saarang, Brindavana
Saarang and Shudh Saarang are also quite aesthetically
beautiful in monsoon effect. These ragas have the
feeling of ongoing dark clouds, rainy breeze and swift
drizzle in mesmerizing manner. The experience of
fresh waters from the sky falling onto the thirsty dried
up ground is masterfully presented in these ragas.
Linking pristine nature to classical music actually brings
out new perspectives towards melody and even the way
life is led. The best of season can come in when it is
liked with classical music and the nuances of raagas are
also experienced greatly through doing this. Enjoy the
renditions of these aforementioned raagas this rainy
season and slowdown from the hustle bustle of urban life!
The
Score Magazine
highonscore.com
27