Bharata natyam songs

 

BHARATA NATYAM SONGS 

Sung by kalaimamani S. Rajeshwari
Nattuvangam : kalaimamani natyachelvam  K.N. Pakkiriswami Pillai

HMV, 1984, TPHVS 32511 

Bharata natyam is a major form of Tamil classical dance originating in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the oldest traditional Indian dances. A mixture of classical dance and martial arts, it has been linked to religious practices since its origin. The oldest description of this type of dance goes back to the second century CE. The practice of bharata natyam suffered in the 19th century from the devaluation of this art by the English colonisers for example by accusing the dancers of being mere prostitutes.The tradition was saved and then renewed during the 20th century, particularly after independence.There are different styles of bharata natyam. It is often a solo dance that is very difficult and long to learn. It is often taught today to young girls, but has remained open to boys. There are seven steps in a regular performance starting with a prayer to Ganesha and finishing with a mangalam a kind of blessing.

Here the singer is S. Rajeshwari, kalaimamani being the highest civilian award in the state of  Tamil Nadu. She is accompanied by a mridangam player and on some tracks by a flute player. No names mentionned. However another musician has his name on the cover : K.N. Pakkiriswami Pillai. This man is in charge of the nattuvangam without which dancing would be impossible. Nattuvangam is at the heart of the performance based on the thalam (taal) or rythmic cycle. He leads the dancer who must know perfectly the bases of her/his choregraphy. The nattuvanar is thus paramount and this is why his name is on the same level as that of the singer. He plays little cymbals and uses also syllables such as ''kita taka tari kita thom''.
Note that tracks A1 and A2 are one track so there are eight tracks instead of nine.

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