The article “Music in the air, will decorum follow?” (Open Page, Nov. 20) by V. Kalidas rightly points to the problem caused by a section of the audience running helter-skelter after a concert has commenced.
Being an avid rasika, I think it is basic courtesy to stay all through the concert, rather than just walk away during the thani avarthanam (solo performance by the percussionist). It is not only disturbing but also distracting to the artist. Music sabhas should take stern steps to ensure that a few people do not become a nuisance for genuine music lovers.
Sarayu Sankar,
Chennai
The Chennai music season has always been a matter of pride for those living in other places. Although canteens set up by popular caterers have become the main attractions in recent years, the aroma of music is all over the city. We await the season to listen to accomplished artists and taste the mouth-watering delicacies in the canteens.
The only opportunity the mami s of Chennai get to exhibit their latest piece of jewellery or collection of silk saris is the music season. So why shouldn't they enjoy? After all, we do not get to see this atmosphere anywhere else.
Visalam Raghunathan,
Hyderabad
Although Mr. Kalidas' views on the behaviour of the audience are correct to a large extent, one cannot really blame the audience for rushing to the canteen for a cup of coffee during the thani avarthanam . It is the main artist who is to blame for allowing a thani in a two-hour concert.
N. Sampath,
Chennai
The article “Could we do a December in May?” and the one by Mr. Kalidas seem to plead for a rigorous code of conduct in concert halls. Every music lover has a right to respond in his or her own individual way taking care, of course, not to disturb those around. What is wrong if some people cannot enjoy music without nodding their heads? Why should a few fans referring to their ready reckoner irritate others? And how is the decorum breached if the audience claps to convey its appreciation?
As for people walking off during the thani avarthanam , it is again a matter of personal preference. Even serious music lovers have come to look upon the thani as a repetitive, stale and ceremonial exercise. Those who choose to skip it think they have nothing to lose and those that stay may do so more out of courtesy. One section of music lovers cannot pass judgment on the others' way of appreciation and enjoyment. It is precisely this intolerant, puritanical, almost arrogant attitude that kept the temple of Carnatic music out of bounds for many in the past.
The resurgence of Carnatic music in the past two decades has been mostly due to youngsters taking interest in it and the encouragement given by those whom L. Rangarajan ridicules as thalai attum kootam . It is the uninitiated, common music fan who has sustained Carnatic music over generations, not the inhibited connoisseur.
N. Chandrasekaran,
Chennai
