Studying different genres of music

Musicians, music-lovers, litterateurs and art-patrons gathered at Telugu University's NTR Kalamandiram for launch of the book ‘Nadarekhalu’. The book containing over 186 portraits as line drawings of famous classical musicians from across India is authored by renowned artist Sathiraju Sankara Narayana aka Sankar.

Each portrait in the book is accompanied by short bios of musicians by Hyderabad-based musician, musicologist and composer Vyzarsu Balasubrahmanyam. The book launch began with a classical music concert by KS Abhiram, a student of Balasubrahmanyam. Beginning with the varnam sarasuda, the young artiste rendered Saraswathi Namosthuthe, Samajavaragamana and Gyaanamosagarada, concluding with a thillana.

Abhiram was supported competently on mridangam by CH Ramakrishna and on violin by O Rajashekhar. Naadarekhalu has an e-book which is also available free of cost. The impressive portraits of Indian classical musicians include doyens from the past, living legends and the younger generation of stalwarts. Instrumentalists and vocalists find representation among the Hindustani and Carnatic classical musicians. Balasubrahmanyam's notes on each artiste are a value-addition.

Speaking during the launch, Sankar said, “My dream has been realised. The book is a way of handing over a legacy for the future generations.” Balasubrahmanyam said, “This is my small contribution towards classical music.” A long line of luminaries graced the stage and gave brief speeches about Sankar's widely respected skills in portraiture, and the book and its value.

Renowned actor, playwright, screenwriter and director Tanikella Bharani said, “"Just as strumming a tambura results in beautiful musical vibrations, Sankara Narayana has produced musical vibrations representing all of India. We can listen to these vibrations for years...whenever we leaf through this book.” Actor Raavi Kondala Rao and prominent veena artiste and teacher Ayyagari Syamasundaram also addressed the audience. Musician and academician Dr Y Ramaprabha, Kartikeya Gana Sabha’s Duddu Ganapathi Murthy and others were present.

by:Aruna Chandaraju