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Covid-19 and its impact on Classical Artists

In recent weeks, we have seen the significant economic impact of the COVID-19 epidemic which is now growing exponentially having an adverse effect on financial markets and vulnerable industries. The nation-wide lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the deadly virus has affected people working in all the major sectors and industries including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, hospitality, transport, marketing, sales, operation, IT, entertainment, media, production and service domains. Experts opine that the damage caused by this pandemic to the economy will have far-reaching consequences and it will be quite some time, months or even years, before we can see the earliest signs of revival of the economy. While the salaried class seem to be comparatively less affected, small proprietary businesses, daily wage earners, artisans and unskilled labourers are undoubtedly the most impacted class of people. It is disheartening to see how those below poverty line are struggling to make ...

The Grand Mridangam of Vid. Arjun Kumar

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In the present-day world, where Indian classical music is being hijacked by shallow gimmicks, unwarranted speed, high pitch and high volume, there is a need to reiterate the value of true ‘aesthetics’ that Indian music has always stood for. Very few and rare are those musicians who are able to uphold traditional values and at the same time explore the unfathomable dimensions of the ocean called ‘Music’ and thereby create a deep, musically enriching ‘aesthetic’ experience to the rasikas. The role of mridangam in Carnatic music is better experienced than said. Often hailed as the ‘King of Percussion’ and ‘Queen of Melody’ it is a not just a Talavadya, but a Layavadya and Shrutivadya as well. A sensible and sensitive mridangam accompaniment goes a long way in elevating the musical rendition, be it vocal or instrumental. A galaxy of incredible Mridangam Maestros of the yesteryears have not just taken the art of Mridangam playing to the greatest heights but also paved the ...