MridangamThe mridangam , also known as Tannumai, is a percussion instrument from india of ancient origin. It is the primary rhythmic accompaniment in a Carnatic music ensemble, and in Dhrupad, where it is known as the pakhawaj. During a percussion ensemble, the mridangam is often accompanied by
the ghatam, kanjira, and morsing. In ancient Hindu sculpture, painting, and mythology, the mridangam is often depicted as the instrument of choice for a number of deities including Ganesha (the remover of obstacles) and Nandi, who is the vehicle and follower of Shiva. Nandi is said to have played the mridangam during Shiva's primordial tandava dance, causing a divine rhythm to resound across the heavens. The mridangam is thus also known as "deva vaadyam," or "Divine Instrument". Over the years, the mridangam evolved to be made of different kinds of wood due to its increased durability, and today, its body is constructed from wood of the jackfruit tree. It is widely believed that the tabla, the mridangam's Hindustani musical counterpart, was first constructed by splitting a mridangam in half. With the development of the mridangam came the tala(rhythm) system. *Text from Wikipedia |
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Classes
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Beginning Spring Semester: Mridangam Taught by Kavi Srinavasaragavan
Brought to you by popular demand, Navatman is now offering Mridangam courses! (Available to ages 10+) For both musicians and dancers, this class will an in-depth knowledge of rhythm and layam. Those interested in carnatic instruments and or drums of all types will find a home in this class. About Kavichelvan Srinivasaragavan S. Kavichelvan was first introduced to the mridangam by Sri Vinod Venkataraman at the age of five. Since the age of nine, he has been under the tutelage of Sri N. Manoj Siva. Kavi has also had the privilege of undergoing training from Sangitha Kalanidhi Sri Vellore Ramabadhran, and has had the blessing of performing alongside him. He has performed alongside musicians such as Sangeetha Swaminathan, Padma Sugavanam, Rithvik Raja, Amritha Murali, Flute Raman, and N. Vijay Siva. |
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