Manavyala Kinchara- Raga-Nalinakanti- Violin Rendition

Описание: Manavyala Kinchara, Raga - Nalinakanthi, Composer, Tyaagaraaja


This piece I have chosen for this programme is Manvyala in raga Nalina Kanthi set to Aadi tāla. This is a lighter item – you can think of it as a joyful send-off at the end of the concert. After exploring heavier emotions and more elaborate structures earlier, this composition allows both me and the audience to relax a little, while still demanding a great deal of precision and control from the performer.

The mood of the piece is openly joyful and celebratory. Whether it is a tillana, a bhajan or a similar closing item, the underlying feeling is one of gratitude and happiness. The lyrics typically praise the deity in simple, direct language, or sometimes focus more on rhythmic syllables and musical patterns than on complex poetry. That simplicity is actually what makes it so charming – the listener does not need to understand every word to feel the uplift and brightness in the music. As I play, I try to let that sense of happiness flow into my tone, keeping the sound clear and sparkling rather than heavy or tense.

On the violin, however, this “light” piece is not at all easy. The tempo is often fast, with continuous streams of notes, jatis and swara patterns that leave very little room to breathe. My bow arm has to work hard to maintain even strokes at this speed, ensuring that there is no scratching, no unnecessary accent, and no loss of clarity when crossing strings. At the same time, the left hand must stay perfectly synchronised, landing every note in tune even when shifting positions quickly across the fingerboard. This tight coordination between both hands is something that only comes with long, patient practice.

Rhythmically, pieces like this often play with patterns that cut across the basic tāla in interesting ways. Repeating jatis, sudden pauses, and brisk endings to phrases all create a sense of excitement and anticipation. While performing, I have to keep track of where I am in the cycle at all times, so that each korvai or finishing phrase lands exactly on the samam. Any slip is instantly noticeable, especially at high speed, so this piece becomes a very real test of my laya control and concentration.

For my violin journey, this song symbolises confidence and stage readiness. Learning to play such a piece convincingly means not only having the technical ability to handle speed and complexity, but also the stamina to finish the concert as strongly as it began. It teaches me how to project energy right till the last note, how to keep my intonation and bowing clean even when my hands are tired, and how to connect with the audience through sheer joy in the music. Ending with this composition is my way of saying a cheerful, energetic thank you to everyone listening, while also quietly showing the range of skills that Carnatic violin demands – from deep, introspective bhava to sparkling, rhythmic brilliance.