Hannah Montana, Justin Beiber, Tyagaraja… The first two names need no introduction, but not many of you might be aware of Tyagaraja — one of the greatest composers of Carnatic music. EMI, the record label, hopes to change this with their two new CDs — “Tyagaraja's Pancharatna Kritis for Children” and “Essential kritis for Children”.
“Kritis are Carnatic songs that form the backbone of any typical Carnatic music concert,” reads the introduction. And each of the CDs has arendition of popular kritis by the familiar voices of Unni Krishnan, Mahati, Binny Krishnakumar, Sikkil Gurucharan and Anuradha Sriram.
The kritis like “Maha Ganapathim”, “Krishna Ni Begane”, “Endaro Mahanubhavalu” and “Saadhinchane” have been sung traditionally accompanied by music that is contemporary and catchy too. So you will need no push from your parents to listen to some classical music. Also adding character to the rendition is the children's sing-along chorus. The chorus repeats each line after the lead singer, so that you can sing along. The lyrics booklet that comes along with the CDs will help you with that.
The CDs succeed in making traditional Carnatic music appeal to the younger generation. But if the intent was to make them learn too, then it may not succeed. Though catchy, the rendition by the singers is quite complex. The singing could have been made simpler and straightforward. The swaras in between the kritis are lovely to listen to but difficult to try and learn, with no mention of them in the booklet as well.
But the CDs are sure to work for you as an initiation to Carnatic music. Sample the music, you are sure to like it.
ESSENTIAL KRITIS FOR CHILDREN, CARNATIC CLASSICAL MUSIC MADE EASY FOR CHILDREN, THYGARAJA'S PANCHARATNA KRITIS FOR CHILDREN, THE 5 GOLDEN GEMS MADE EASY FOR YOUR CHILD; EMI Music
For more information mail info@emimusic.in
