Artistes see no threat from western music

By SNV Sudhir

Rendering the compositions of renowned saints and poets is an unattainable feat for most people. It takes a divine gift.
Classical singers of all ages stand by this tenet. But Shanmukha Priya and Hari Priya, the renowned musical duo, popularly known as the ‘Priya Sisters’ have created waves in Carnatic music in recent years and delivered the almost impossible with poise and flair.
They feel that only those bestowed with divine blessings can make a mark in the classical music arena.
"It is a divine decision to take up singing. It is not everyone’s cup of tea. It requires a lot of devotion and dedication," said the elder of the duo, Shanmukha Priya.
D. Seshachari and D. Raghavachari, the vocal maestros who are popularly known as the ‘Hyderabad Brothers’ had a similar approach to classical music.
"We agree that it’s purely a divine decision. Classical music, with its rich heritage, never saw downfall at any point of time in history. Different kinds of music come and go, but the Indian classical music remains intact," said Seshachari.
The Priya sisters and Hyderabad brothers were in the city recently to take part in the 600th Annamacharya Jayanthi Utsavam conducted by Nadasudha Tarangini and TTD. Sharing a mutual love for classical music, the artistes spoke about the place that Carnatic music has in the present scenario.
Around 114 classical singers belonging to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu including the renowned singers like Priya sisters, Hyderabad Brothers, took part in the six-day Annamacharya music festival. It was conducted by Nadasudha Tarangini, a cultural organisation of the city under the aegis of Sangitha Kalanidhi Nedunuri Krishna Murthy and in connection with the 600th Jayanthi Utsavam of saint poet Annamacharya at Kalabharati auditorium.
The sisters observed that classical singing has re-emerged and is in vogue among the younger generation.
"We can see more youngsters these days showing interest in classical singing than when we started singing in 1991. The power of the age-old Indian classical music retains its undying charm and is attracting youngsters. This charm will never fade," said Hari Priya.
They added that the change in the trend might be due to the increased awareness among the public about other advantages of taking up classical singing.
"Concentration levels increase. Good health, too, is a positive consequence of classic singing. Besides, it creates a soothing effect on the listeners," said the duo.
Being well-appreciated on the national and international circuits, the Priya Sisters have performed widely at concerts in India and abroad, including to the USA, Canada, UK and Mauritius. They have performed in a number of prestigious festivals including Spirit of Unity concerts, Duo festival, Festival of Hyderabad and World Tamil conference.
The Hyderabad Brothers feel that western music, contrary to popular belief, was never a threat to Indian classical music. But they also expressed concern over the dipping interest in the music among people of Andhra Pradesh compared to other southern states. According to these vocal exponents, people of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala show greater interest in classical music.
"It is very unfortunate. Many great composers of the yesteryear were from Andhra Pradesh. But at present there are only a few patrons and artistes here. The scenario is entirely different elsewhere in southern India. They pursue classical singing with utter dedication and devotion," said Raghavachari.
They felt that youngsters are being trained only to a certain limit as they are more career-oriented. They are not carrying it forward as singers once had done.
The brothers have the distinction of being one of the most popular vocal duos in Carnatic music today. With remarkable on-stage understanding, knowledge and voices, the Hyderabad Brothers have mastered the art of delivering at Carnatic music concerts.
The utsavam was a riot of music. The audience was enthralled and the maestros, Priya sisters and Hyderabad brothers, were thrilled at the richness of their art, a sign perhaps, of the enduring nature of the spirit of Carnatic music.
The musical event was supported by Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam, AP Government Department of Cultural Affairs and AP State Cultural Council. The organisers said the objective of the programme was to protect the spirit of classical and devotional music, which is being ignored due to affect of western music and culture.
The festival was inaugurated by Satguru K. Sivananda Murthy of Anandavanam in Bheemili on April 22. Each day the participants rendered Annamacharya sankeertanas. Kalabharathi trustee and convenor of the music festival, V.R. Prasad, said out of the total 32,000 compositions of Annamacharya only 14,000 were available to the public and of the available poems only 1,400 were given tunes by some music composers.
"Of the 1,400 Nedunuri Krishna Murthy and his disciples composed
tunes for 1,100 Annamacharya Sankeertanas. And we are very fortunate to have this festival here being held under the supervision of great classical exponent Nedunuri Krishna Murthy," said Prasad.