Explore l G N Balasubramanian l Vignesh Ishwar, Rithvik Raja l MOPA

Описание: MOPA presents episode 2 of the Explore series on G N Balasubramanian (1910 – 1965) or GNB, the first and arguably most famous acronym in Carnatic music. As handsome in physical bearing as he was ingenuous in musical style, he was the super star of Carnatic music, with a voice rich in timbre, unbridled imagination and a capacity to sing at lightning speed, GNB reigned over mass and class alike.


Is tradition set in stone? Is not change even within a musician’s lifetime in the natural order of things? Does custom or convention in musical practice have to be held sacrosanct at the cost of organic modification or adaptation?

An artiste creates and modifies, subtly or otherwise, his or her style for several reasons – physical, emotional, intellectual, political or aesthetic. A stellar artiste preserves tradition not as a rigid, fossilized keepsake but as an intelligent amalgamation of inherited values as well as current inclinations.
MOPA presents Explore – a series of discussions between two young and admired Carnatic musicians, Rithvik Raja and Vignesh Ishwar, where they navigate these questions using recording excerpts of select musicians. They examine the musician’s approach to tonality, modulation, handling of composition and lyric as well as creative components (like alapana, neraval, tanam and kalpana swaram), grammar and a host of related aspects. They offer their own interpretations and observations based on what they have heard and analyzed.
Every episode in this series promises a volley of insights into the musical style and technique of the musician being discussed. A treat for students, aspiring musicians, lay as well as experienced listeners.
These conversations are not intended to conclude, merely to present points to ponder.


Acknowledgements
Audio Excerpts:
From the collection of Rithvik Raja


Photographs:
The personal collection of Rithvik Raja
YACM Archives


Visual and Sound Editing:
Rithvik Raja


Produced by MOPA Foundation ©2021


All text, photos, images and other data contained in this episode are copyright 2021 of the Museum of Performing Arts (MOPA) Foundation. The same is intended for personal or educational use only and may not be used in any commercial form without prior written permission.