International Music Day Celebrations
On June 21, 2022, Ghantasala Venkateswararao Government music college celebrated International Music day by hosting a Carnatic classical music concert by Vidwan Modumudi Sudhakar. Buchayacharyulu, the day's chief guest, gave a few insights into the principles of Carnatic music and the need to encourage the youth to respect, understand, learn and appreciate the greatness of classical music. Principal In charge Vishnubhotla Krishnaveni
In continuation to the spirit of the day, Modumudi Sudhakar started his concert with a note that he would present the kritis, which explains the origins of music. He started his concert with a varnam 'Omkara Pranava nadodbhava' in Raga Shanmukha Priya, written by Dr.M.Balamurali Krishna. It explains the origin of nada from the body of 'Vatapatra sai' or Vishnu.
The concert was like a demonstration of the nuances and technicalities in Carnatic classical music. The next item was ‘Sobhillu Sapta swara sundaralu ‘in Raga Jaganmohini. Sudhakar explained the various methods of 'swara vinyasa,' or building the intricate patterns of the notes, which can enhance the beauty of the kriti and showcase the 'manodharma 'of the singer. He demonstrated the singing of short notes sung in one breath, Janta swara, long notes, etc. The presentation explained the extensive opportunity the singer has to present the beauty of the raga in layers carefully placed one above the other. The singers of Telugu Land have the advantage of singing in their mother tongue. Sudhakar pointed out this aspect and urged the artists to be clear in their pronunciation and enunciate to bring out the spirit of the lyricist.
The next item he chose was Syama Sastry's kriti 'karuna juuda ninnu nammina vaadu gada' in Sri raga. The fourth item was Deekshitar's 'anandamrutha karshini,' thus completing the three great masters of Carnatic music. It was followed by 'Nadatanumanisam.'
Sudhakar explained The central theme in almost all the kritis in Carnatic music is 'Bhakti.' The three vaggeyakaras – Thyagaraja, Muttuswamy Deekshitar, and SyamaSastry, the pillars of Carnatic music, have strengthened this in their voluminous works. The later generations have followed in their footsteps. The artist should present the emotion in his singing. The swara vinyasa, too, should not alienate from the emotion shown in the kriti.
Sudhakar completed 50 years of the musical journey and sang in around 5000 concerts. One item he presents at every concert is "Sangeetha samrajya sancharini'. He presented the kriti as his prayer to the deity of music, Sri Sarada. His soulful presentation of these kritis enthralled the audience and enriched young learners. The audience appreciated his attempt to make the celebrations of International Music day more meaningful by explaining the greatness of Carnatic music and its place in the world of music. He was ably supported on violin by young Ambatipudi Kamakshi , a promising artist who won the hearts of the appreciation of the audience with her raga prastarana in Raga jaganmohini. Parupalli Subbaraya Phalgun accompanied on mridangam.
