Sunday 23 December 2012

Oldies and media are killing Carnatic Music

Media and the Older generation are killing Carnatic music performances. Visit any performance in the ongoing Margazhi Utasavam in Chennai and you will be greeted with an average age of 65 and counting.  These folks sit there either sleeping or nodding their head.  Once in awhile they will turn to their neighbor and say a deep insightful comments.  They will be discussing the detailed nuances of the style and composition of the song.  The newspapers also have an identical behavior.

Think about it.  How many times do you hear youngster complain that Britney Spears or pop artists are off beat.  Never happens.  It is because music is meant to be enjoyed.  It is not to discuss the correctness of a ragam or the accent of the singer.

To really enjoy the music, all you have to do is to sit back close your eyes and just enjoy the stream of sounds that flow through your ears.  it is so soothing.  It is not about the correctness. It is about what it provides the listener.

I am not a connoisseur of music or someone that can pick out the ragam.  Most times I go because a friend is performing or my daughter is interested.  I find people looking sternly, or nodding their heads or making comments about the musician. 

Think it is time to lighten up and make Carnatic music cool.  It is about giving it energy.  Why should the 3 or 4 musician be huddled so close to each?  Spread them out to cover the entire stage.  Have some jokes cracked in the middle of the session.  Maybe let loose a dog or a couple of eagles.  Spruce it up guys.  Get some guys to perform with torn jeans and rolled up t-shirts. 

Let us move on to the 21st Generation.