Let Thodi come live!

Some of Aruna Sairam pieces in the two-set CD, ‘Arunambujam,' are delectable, and leave the listener craving for more.

October 14, 2010 08:12 pm | Updated October 17, 2010 03:17 pm IST

Aruna Sairam

Aruna Sairam

It is well known that even some of the senior most Carnatic vidwans and vidushis used to be intimidated by the redoubtable music critic (the late) Subbudu, whose acid comments were balanced by his sparkling sense of humour, whether he wrote in English or in Tamil. But he could also be extremely lavish in his praise, when he so wished.

Memorable compliment

One of the most memorable compliments ever paid by Subbudu was his breezy statement that if he was exiled to an isolated island, the only things he would want to take with him would be some betel-leaves/nuts and tobacco, and an LP record of Sudha Ragunathan's music. (I am quoting roughly from memory, and not accurately from records; but this was more or less what he declared).

I don't know whether Subbudu ever took any of Sudha's records along with him when he travelled, to listen in blissful solitude; but I have certainly brought a few selected CDs with me half way around the globe, to the U.S., to enjoy them in peace when I am not playing with my grandchildren, watching television or reading.

One of these selections is the first of a twin-set of CDs titled, ‘Arunambujam,' featuring the compositions of Ambujam Krishna, sung by Aruna Sairam. And the focus of my interest is the Tamil song, ‘Kandadum Kanavo' in Thodi, on Track 4. Taking up the phrase, ‘Naan Unaik Kandadum Kanavo, Rama!' (Was it a dream that I saw you in, O Rama!) as a refrain Aruna melts your heart with one of the finest niravals in Thodi I've ever heard in my life.

I wish to hear it again live in all its glory in some concert hall in the coming winter season! Will it come true or will it remain only a dream?

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.