GREATEST MONSOON RAGAS IN CARNATIC MUSIC
Nature and music has a deeper connection since primordial times. Right from rustle of leaves, to a swift breeze- if looked carefully, every sound of nature is musical and has a rhythm in itself. The varying hues of sky with clouds and the sunset also evokes musical melodies if perceived. Poets have linked the various shades of music even with changing seasons of the year. While spring speaks of bright and vibrant ragas like Shankarabharanam, winter would be linked with sober ragas like Purvi Kalyani! History has proven rightfully that singing a particular monsoon raaga can also trigger rain! Such incident happened when legendary composer Muttuswami Dikshitar sang the raaga Amrutavarshini leading to rainfall. When the composer sang Varshaya varshaya during a particular incident when the lands were struggling with no rainfall, the drizzle happened just through the rendition of Amruthavarshini!
Especially after a blazing phase of summer with sweltering heat and humidity, the first showers of monsoon is a welcome relief. There is nothing more soothing than grabbing a cup of filter coffee while witnessing the drizzle from a corner window of the house or a cozy balcony listening to a laid back aalapana of a Carnatic raaga! The first obvious monsoon raaga is Amruthavarshini which literally means the creator of nectar rain. Compositions like Aanandamruta Varshini can always be cherished by the music connoisseur. The modern composer Muttaiah Bhagavatar also composed Sudhamayi, a crisp kriti in the same raga. Ramapriya is another rare raga which is quite eloquent in creating the monsoon effect. Interestingly, Muttuswami Dikshitar composed Swaramyaham- one of the navagraha kritis under the honor of planet Rahu. The modern age composer Dr.M.Balamurali Krishna’s varnam in Ramapriya is another fantastic composition not to miss.
Amrutha Behag created by legendary musician GNB is also greatly known for its monsoon melodious counterpart. The raaga Madhyamavati is conventionally used in Carnatic concerts during the conclusion but it is also known for monsoon feels. The Hindustani equivalents of Madhyamavati such as Madhumat Saarang, Brindavana Saarang and Shudh Saarang are also quite aesthetically beautiful in monsoon effect. These ragas have the feeling of ongoing dark clouds, rainy breeze and swift drizzle in mesmerizing manner. The experience of fresh waters from the sky falling onto the thirsty dried up ground is masterfully presented in these ragas.
Linking pristine nature to classical music actually brings out new perspectives towards melody and even the way life is led. The best of season can come in when it is liked with classical music and the nuances of raagas are also experienced greatly through doing this. Enjoy the renditions of these aforementioned raagas this rainy season and slowdown from the hustle bustle of urban life!