V. Ramarathnam

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Prof. Ramarathnam

V. Ramarathnam (born 1917), is a well know Carnatic musician, author, teacher and composer. Prof. Ramarthnam, the only vocalist disciple of Sangeetha Rathna Mysore T._Chowdiah, is highly regarded by doyens of carnatic music such as Mysore Vasudevachar, Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, Chembai, Alathoor Srinivasa Iyer & Musuri Subramanya Iyer. He gained significant popularity among the doyens of carnatic music and the audience, occupying the centre stage for more than six decades in the field of carnatic music. He was the first Principal of the University College of Music and Dance, University of Mysore since its inception in 1965, a position which he held till his retirement in 1987. He has been awarded many honorary titles such as Sangeetha Kala Sagaram (ocean of music).

The State of Karnataka, India will be conferring the prestigious "Kanaka Purandara Award for 2007" on Prof. Mysore V. Ramarathnam. The ceremony will be held in Bangalore, in May 2007. The award carries a purse of Rs 1 lakh, a shawl, a momento and a citation.

1 Vocalist
2 Teacher
3 Author
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Vocalist

As a vocalist Prof. Ramarathnam was known for his mastery of wide range of compositions from pre-trinity to post trinity composers. He also took keen interest in popularizing the compostions of Mysore Sadasiva Rao. Known for building quick raport with his audience, Ramarathnam's style of rendering and utterance are stately, slow, reposeful, abounding in languorous tonal elongations and immersed in concentrated expresion. Gifted with superb imagination, Prof. Ramarathnam was known for his ability to perceive the infinite freedom inherent to carnatic music and explore it courageously one phrase at a time, within the confines of the tradition deeply rooted in the carnatic system. His close contacts, discussions, lessons and influence of the music of legendary gurus helped him evolve a style his own that is a fine blend of classicism & creativity. In Prof. Ramarathnam’s music one finds a harmonious blending of raga, bhava, tala and charm of a very rich tradition. His style deceptively simple but almost impossible to imitate.

Professor Ramarathnam, is also a composer and author. He has composed around 25 kritis in well known ragas in Sanskrit, Telugu and Kannada. He used the mudra 'Rama' and has published them with chittaswaram.

[edit] Teacher

Prof. Ramarathnam has trained a large number of students. His distinguished disciples include Neelamma Kadambi, T.R. Srinivasan, T.M. Madhuranath (also a desciple of Flute Vidwan Sri Mahalingam), N. Nanjundaswamy, Dr. B.R. Shamachar, K.J. Venkatachar, Vainika Vidwan M.J. Srinivasa Iyengar (desciple of Veena Venkatagiriyappa), and many more.

[edit] Author

Prof. Ramarathnam has authored thirteen books, some of them in collaboration with musicologists Dr. Sampathkumaracharaya, Prof. M.V. Rathna and Prof. R.N. Doreswamy. These books deal with the theory and practical aspects of Carnatic music. Ten of these books have been published by the University Press, "Prasaranga" University of Mysore with some having been reprinted several times. Some of the important books published include:

Sangeetha Darpana – Prof. V. Ramarathnam University of Mysore, Prasaranga Publication, 1969
Karnataka Sangeetha Sudha - co-authors Dr. V.S. Sampathkumaracharya, University of Mysore, Prasaranga Publication, 1967
Sangeetha Ratna T. Chowdiah's Compositions – Published by University of Mysore, 1975
Sangeetha Shastra Parichaya Vols 1 and 2 – Co-Author R.N. Doraiswamy
Karnataka Sangeetha Krithirachana Sangraha Volume 1 - Published by Prof. V. Ramarathnam, 1992.
Pallaki Seva Prabhandham – Co-Authors M.V. Rathna, University of Mysore, Prasaranga, 1974.
Noukacharithram – Co-Author R.N. Doraiswamy, 1969.
Karnataka Sangeethadha Lakshya Lakshana Sangraha – Published by University of Mysore, Prasaranga.
Mysore Sadhashivarayaru – Published by Karnataka Sangeetha Nrithya Academy, Bangalore 1997.
Karnataka Sangeetha Deepeke – co-authored by Dr. V.S. Sampathkumaracharya- Published by D.V.K. Murthy, Mysore, 2000.
Keerthana Tharangini- published by D.V.K. Murthy, Mysore, 2000.
Contribution and Patronage of Mysore Wodeyars to Carnatic Music –Published by Kannada Book Authority, Bangalore, India
Apurva Vaggeya Kruthimanjari – Published by D.V.K. Murthy, 2004
Muthuswami Dikshithara Navagraha Krithigalu - Published by D.V.K. Murthy, 2004
Muthuswami Dikshithara NavaVarna Krithigalu - Published by D.V.K. Murthy, 2004
Reminescence of a Musician - Released as part of Prof. Ramarathnam's 90^th Birthday Celebration in December 2006.
Apurva Vaggeya Kruthimanjari (Vol ii)– to be released in 2007