Creeping Corruption

We often boast that India is the largest democracy. Along with this boast, we can also be 'proud' of its large scale corruption and backdoor politics.
This is amply proved by the fact that in many cases, one individual often holds several important posts. Why is this ? Is there a shortage of manpower in our country? Obviously, there is more to this than just selection on merit.

When allegations of corruptions are made against some politicians, there is normally a huge clamour for their resignation, but nothing normally results. This 'virus' has entered the art field also. In fact, it has taken on a 'Viswaroopam'.

Creeping Corruption

When a government appoints someone to a top post, it is with some confidence in this candiate's abilities and also the belief that at least 80% of the finds handled,  will be put to correct use. Misuse of funds will pass as long as it remanins unnnoticed. But there is no smoke without fire. When it is discovered, especially in the field of art or in the music institutions, it creates depression and dejection in artists.

In the field of politics and politically based organizations, means like fasts , strikes and protests bring the problems to the public eye and help dispensing of justice. Unfortunately, in the field of music, there is no such means to bring the wrongdoers to book. Only then would the culprits be known to the public. Otherwise, like the politicians who enter the police vans with a broad smile on their faces, the accused in the art field will keep attending important functions without any guilt feeling or whatsoever.

Only if these trends are stopped the music will thrive and flourish in the long run.

Music Expressions

What is Art if it cannot be expressed? What are the unique ways in which Carnatic music can be expressed?


As is the case with most other systems of the world, Carnatic music also uses the human voice as well as several instruments of both Indian and Western origin. As already stated in the introductory section, there is an amazing open-mindedness when in comes to adopting good things from other systems. Several instruments like the violin, mandolin, guitar and the saxophone have been adopted successfully, of course, with a few modifications to suit the requirements of Carnatic music.

Of the innumerable instruments developed by man, very few can match the most natural instrument - the voice. Carnatic music gives pride of place to Vocal music. This is because vocal music has the added dimension of lyrics, which is one of the basic components of Carnatic music. A vocalist can project the lyrics and the theme of the music the best. Even the melody instruments try to approximate to vocal standards. Hence, a student interested in instrumental music career generally learns vocal first and then repeats the music on the instrument.

Singing can be defined as the musical expression of feeling through the medium of vocal organs and the organs of speech. The technique of voice production for singing is more complex than it is for speech, as this requires the control of three sets of muscles - inspiration and expiration (respiratory muscles), phonation (intra and extra-laryngeal muscles) and those of articulation (muscles of tongue, jaw, lips and soft palate).

A Carnatic vocalist is expected to possess a voice that is rich in tone and volume, has depth and is capable of sustaining different notes for a long periods without any wobble. He/she must also possess a range of at least two and a half octaves and execute with clarity and verve, phrases of different tempo. The various embellishments or ornamentations (gamakas) and tonal shades should be aptly produced for rendering different types of musical compositions and other creative aspects of Carnatic music. The technical exercises and compositions of Carnatic music are designed to impart all the above. Of course, the student must have the right attitude, technical guidance and perseverance!

Current state

The Music Season of Chennai is world famous. Earlier only 3 sabhas were hosting this event, but now several sabhas participate. Artistes take pride in the number of concerts performed, but in my view, the quality isn't being maintained. I am not able to understand as to how those rasikas who appreciate good music are also able to appreciate the gimmicks of certain musicians. As far as thani avarthanam goes, if the artiste plays with concentration, audience appreciate this. Organisations in the name of Art have become totally commercialised. In spite of the growing no. of sponsors, the remuneration offered to the artistes is very low, for most of the sabhas are busy filling their coffers. Another sad trend is that of NRI performers paying money to have their program staged. Critics do not criticize constructively & it is not clear how & on what basis awards are given. Just as the Ganges retains her purity in spite of all dirt & grime flowing into her, the grace that is inherent in the Season is also being maintained in spite of all these happenings..

Music and Astrology

Astrology, an empirical science, is conditioned by astronomical calculations. Music, a fine art, is qualified by the imposition of rhythmic limitations. Each science has an inherent artistic or aesthetic element and every art has a scientific or mathematical base. Arts and sciences are mutually complementary. Where do astrology and music interface? More Details>>