Reviving Carnatic classical music

Oruganti Ananda Mohan, founder of Sangeetha Ksheerasagaram launched the book ‘Apurva Ragas’ formulated by Harikesanallur Dr L Muthiah Bhagavatar’, written by Dr Vyzarsu Balasubrahmanyam on Thursday at NTR Kalamandiram, Telugu University.

Earlier, a thematic vocal concert with compositions of Muthiah Bhagavatar was rendered by Pranati Vyzarsu, daughter of Vyzarsu Balasubrahmanyam. She mesmerised the audience with her great voice for the tunes like ‘Siddhi Vinayakam Seveham’, ‘Sarasamukhi Sowmya’, Bhairavi Parameshwari’, ‘Thillana Hamsanandi,’ and more. Singing for the first time, Pranati completed her concert flawless. She was well accompanied by Rajashekar (Violin), Ramakrishna (Mridangam) and Chandrakanth (Morsing).

After the spellbinding concert by Pranati, the book launch session was organised. “Vyzarsu Balasubrahmanyam’s programmes are always different. He encourages his disciples. He regularly organises mini concerts for children. No one has a right to criticise artistes during concerts and it will discourage them.

Till now I did 391 concerts and I always record my concerts. After the event, I give the CD to the young singers for their improvement. I believe this book will help upcoming generations to know about the great musician and his music,” said Oruganti Ananda Mohan, founder of Sangeetha Ksheerasagaram.

“Every year, on my birthday we are doing music-related events. Many people think that ‘Sangeethacharya’ is an award, but I got this title for my PhD submission on ‘Apurva Ragas by Harikesanallur Dr L Muthiah Bhagavatar’ at Delhi University. Muthiah Bhagavatar composed great ragas.

Finally I could do a book I will also do music-related CD’s and books in future to keep music alive for future generations. Duddu Sitaramaiah helped me to complete this book. Without the support of my wife Pavani, I have not made this book,” said Dr Vyzarsu Balasubrahmanyam, author of the book.

Dr Vyzarsu Balasubrahmanyam also appealed to the audience to organise music events during any functions at their homes to encourage the artistes. “Vyzarsu Balasubramanyam is a multi-faceted personality. He is also a great music teacher and concert artiste. With an aim to make great musicians he started Bhairavi Sangeetha Academy,” said Duddu Seetharamaiah, retired principal of the Government College of Music and Dance, AP and Telangana.

Rajeshwari Kalyanam, Features Editor, The Hans India says, “Today there are many documents available for Carnatic music in Tamil Nadu whereas in Telugu we have very few. I thank Vyzarsu Balasubramanyam for presenting this book to the Telugu people. Today, the youth are going towards cinema music. Every young musician must attend others concerts too. We have to keep singing Muthiah Bhagavatar ragas to keep alive his music.”