NAVYA C
Legendary Exponents
7who Changed the Face of Carnatic Music
The field of Carnatic Music has witnessed dramatic changes since its inception . From the times when devotional aspect of music is emphasized more , with the involvement of greatest Carnatic exponents , the face of Carnatic music has changed over the years . A lot of new innovations , influences and ideas fused into the music form seamlessly . The influences of even the western instruments such as violin , viola came into mainstream Carnatic music .
We bring you the list of seven such amazing legendary exponents who entirely changed the face of Carnatic Music in their own prowess :
1 . Annamacharya : The highly devoted bhakta of Lord Venkateshwara swami , Annamacharya wrote thousands of keertanas in the praise of the supreme god . However , as he evolved , he started penning keertanas that made the listeners think about social norms . One such greatest example is Brahmamokkate Para Brahmamokkate- which speaks about the caste system that prevails in India . Along with questioning social norms , he also wrote on spirituality and knowing oneself to attain enlightenment .
2 . Kshetrayya : Bringing in the new form of compositions called padams , Kshetrayya ’ s contribution to Carnatic music is greatest for sure . Till date , padams are used by classical dancers as well to emote a histrionic ( abhinaya ) and that are simple to understand as well . He has proven that Carnatic music is something that is not just for language exponents , but also for commoners .
3 . Thyagaraja Swami : The first word that comes in any listener ’ s mind hearing the word Thyagaraja is Lord Rama . It is obvious because Thyagaraja swami was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama throughout his life . He has penned maximum number of compositions on the lord ’ s name but just like Annamacharya , he has questioned the social norms and widely expressed his views on how turbulent mind can be through his kritis such as Manasa Yetulortune , Entha Nerchina and the famous pancharatna kriti Dudukugala . His kritis are not just for musical perfection but also made the listener think about the social norms and the way of leading a fruitful life .
4 . Muttuswami Dikshitar : Carnatic music got the solid ground of rules and principles because of this legendary composer . With his staunch rule following and keeping the compositions complex enough for the listener to fathom , Dikshitar ’ s compositions standardized the challenging aspects of Carnatic music . Every composition of his is definitely a challenge for the student to learn- and his innovative idea of writing compositions dedicated to the nine planets ( Navagraha Kritis ) is an idea ahead of time for sure . His composition Anandamrutha Varshini- in the raaga Amrutha
Varshini has moved the nature itself leading to rainfall- a rare feat indeed !
5 . Syama Sastry : A priest in Kamakshi temple , Syama Sastry has dedicated his life towards writing compositions only on the goddess . His entire devotion , musical prowess was channelized towards Kamakshi . This is indeed a revolutionary feat because every composition of his is mellifluous and shows his supreme devotion towards the goddess .
6 . Muttaiah Bhagavatar : When compared to the musical trinity , Muttaiah Bhagavatar has explored the other side of Carnatic music and devised his own style of composing . He has also ventured into Hindustani raagas and made them suitable for Carnatic rendering . His daru varnam Maathe Malayadhwaja remains to be an eternal classic even till date .
7 . Dr . M . Balamurali Krishna : Among the modern composers , Balamurali Krishna is known for revolutionizing the face of Carnatic music through his diction , dynamics and composing in all the 72 melakartha raagas . His emphasis on diction for each of the compositions during his performances is highly commendable .
Let us reminisce and revisit these legendary composers by listening to their work and realize the greatness of their vision- that was well ahead of time !
The Score Magazine
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