Rare treats in Carnatic Music – 3

Here is the third one in this series (click here for the second one). It is an alapana and kalpanaswaras, for a reasonably well known song, although one that is not that commonly rendered in concerts. It may not be also be that rare to render this with alapana etc. as I know of atleast one case where a contemporary artist has rendered this as a main item. However, I think in general it may not be done. The krithi and the raga are very special one in carnatic lore. I have elaborated on this in the answer section.

This rendition is special to me because of the bhAvam/expressiveness in the voice of the singer (who is very well known), which is a natural fit for songs like this, and the fact that he has embellished an already special song with alapana and kalpanaswaras.

I also suspect that many of you will be able to guess the raga, although to my ears there are couple of unusual/exotic spots in the alapana which may not be mirrored in the song (not sure, and dont want to presume either ). In any case, first, just enjoy an alapana!

(Audio Courtesy: sangeethapriya)

(Download here)

Need more hint? Here is a snippet of the kalpana swaras but with the dead give way refrain line taken out:

(Download here)

(Answer below)

 

Carnatic Cryptic Crossword Puzzle #5

Here is Carnatic Cryptic Crossword Puzzle #5 (Here is Puzzle #4):

Please check this page for hints, guidelines etc. I will post the solution in about a week.

 

Rare treats in Carnatic Music – 2

Here is the second one in this series (click here for the first one). It is an alapana for a well known song, fairly common in concerts, but perhaps one for which alapana is rarely rendered (at least to me). Thus it is is special to me.

The musician should be obvious to most of the listeners as he is very well known. I also suspect many of you will be able to guess the raga. In any case, just enjoy an alapana!

(Download here)

(Answer below)