Barack Obama is the next President of the United States, a truly historic moment in our lifetime. What does that mean to the budding Carnatic musicians and Bharatha Natyam dancers growing up in the United States? No, I am not going to talk about party policies and politics. Leave that to the talking heads on TV but look at the symbolism in this.I think Barack Obama stands for three powerful symbols that are so meaningful to the first generation American citizens like our kids – heritage, skin color and unusual name.
Look at the way his Kenyan, Indonesian and Black heritage were portrayed so negatively on TV and Internet. Every time I see those pictures of Barack in a traditional African garb, I conjure up images of our children in Indian costume berated by the American media. Obama is probably the first president who can make some halfway decent moves on a dance floor. Now imagine a president who can do Bharatha Natyam or sing in Varali. Regarding skin color, I recall conversations over 20 years ago about career growth or lack thereof among Indians in the US corporations. It may have been true or a self imposed glass ceiling at that time. But over the years, many of us have shattered those glass ceilings and succeeded in our professions. Barack Obama seals the deal by proving once and for all that skin color is not a factor in American politics even at the highest of levels. His eloquence in describing his black heritage will serve as an example for all Indian Americans. Let us take unusual names, people are getting used to names like Dr. Sanjay Gupta on CNN and Bobby Jindal, the Governor of Louisiana (no spell check errors for the names “Sanjay” and “Gupta” but “Jindal” is not recognized, get with it Microsoft). We are also starting to see Indian characters popping up in TV sitcoms and movies (in not exactly flattering roles). Despite, Indian names are not exactly household names. The only saving grace is that the first names of most of our kids are no more than three syllables. Barack Obama, you have surely shattered through this name barrier. Even the staunchest of Republicans (you know who) among our midst will have a soft spot for the achievement of Barack Obama, a first generation American, who can relate so much to our own kids. I can’t remember who said it, but it goes like this – “Success of Barack Obama’s presidency will be defined by whether he acts as a black President or as a President for all who happens to be black”. How true - let us wish him well.
Days are not too far off for another Indian American to run for a high office. But keep in mind, those pictures from Navarathri Kolu or Karwa Chowth or videos of Bharatha Natyam recitals or our kids moving to “kuthu songs” (fast numbers from Bollywood or Kollywood) like “Naakka mukka” or even worshipping in our sacred Temples will be dragged through the mud of negative campaigning. Precepts of polytheism and reincarnation will be ridiculed. The guest lists from our various functions will be mercilessly parsed, investigated and suspected. Publications from the various associations and blogs like this will be thoroughly vetted and new “intentions” invented.
That’s ok, kids. We are stronger than all these. We are ready to support you. Go get’em.
Mrs. Vijayalakshmy Subramaniam Concert:
Violin – Avaneeshwaram Vinu
Mridangam – Shertalai Ananthakrishnan
The singer carried the concert on her sheer musical talent and well trained voice. Sometimes it felt like she was the only one on stage while the supporting artists dissolved into background. Overall, I felt the singer delivered an excellent performance and many among the audience thought so as well. Most notable was the complete ease with which she delivered the songs and alapana however niravals and swarams are not demonstrated to be her strong suit. But I was very surprised to hear comments like “not impressed” from some within the knowledgeable South Florida audience.
For sure, I would like to hear her again but with stronger accompaniments. While Ananthakrishnan on the Mridangam gave an energetic thani avardhanam but playing for songs could have been more inspirational. Mridangist demonstrated some impressive modulation of volume on his instrument. Vinu the violinist was somewhat tentative throughout the concert. His playing was less than impressive for the first several songs and then warmed up a bit. I have heard from a professional violinist that playing violin to a female singer is difficult. That could be at play here.
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CORRECTION -
After communicating directly with the singer, found out that the Meera Bhajan was actually in Ragam Lalit. There were considerable internal discussions about the ragam being Lalitha, Lalit or Shubapantuvarali. Hopefully this puts an end to the discussion. I have made the corrections in the text as necessary.
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This was a relatively short concert with no RTP. Let us go to the song by song discussion:
Saveri Varnam – very clean delivery, set the tone for the concert
Jaya Jaya in Natai and Khanda Chapu thalam – a repeat song from the previous concert, but a much better version
Kanda Choodumi in Vachaspathi – good rendering of the song and kalpana swarams; violinist is still warming up; some good combination of strokes by the mridangam
Needa Sulabu in Malayamarutham – very catchy, folksy ragam; singer showed a great range and sang with ease across the octaves including higher pitches
Brovaramma in Neelambari – possibly the best song in the concert. Great show of bhavam and very meditative rendering of the song. Singer had excellent control over her voice
Sri Lakshmi Varagam a Deekshithar krithi in Abhogi – the elaborate alapana fooled us into thinking that this is going to be the main piece. Delivered some brilliant alapana phrases showing her mastery over the ragam. Violin alapana was excellent for the most part. The entire orchestra starting to come together
Karthikeya Kangeya in Todi – being in the middle of Kanda Sashti it was a great song choice. I was initially a little doubtful on the ragam choice for an afternoon concert. But the bhavam shown by the singer kept us all really engaged for the entire length. The singer instinctively knew the audience and gave a measured length of alapana without overdosing. Mridangist played nicely with the flow of the song and his volume control was unique. The Thani was one of the most energetic displays I have seen – brilliant. He demonstrated deftness of his hands, speed, clarity and control. Great job. A fly came out of nowhere during the Todi and sat mesmerized in front of the singer through the entire the alapana.
Saramaina in Behag – another nice delivery
Jago Bansiware a Meera Bhajan in Lalit – very few Carnatic musicians can sing Hindi songs without butchering one of my favorite languages. Vijayalakshmy was one of those exceptions having been brought up in Delhi she had a great command over the language. Thank you.
Nara Sukham in Kanthamani – gave a workout to the rasikas in identifying the ragam. Finally it was confirmed by the singer.
Bala Murali Krishna’s Thillana in Amrithavarshini – Royal mess at high speeds.
The season for professional artists from India in Florida has ended for this year. Season in India will begin soon. Don’t despair, subscribe to Jaya TV for $5.95 per month and listen to MMU (Margazhi Maha Utsavam). All the leading musicians will be on, one kutcheri per day. It is worth it.
Shiva Vishnu Temple Varshikothsavam will be on Nov 7, 8 and 9. Cultural activities such as music/dance/drama from the local talent on Saturday Nov 8.
See you all at the Varshikothsavam
