V. Ramarathnam
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V. Ramarathnam (born 1917), is a well know Carnatic musician, author, teacher and composer. He 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).
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[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, N. Nanjundaswamy, Dr. B.R. Shamachar, K.J. Venkatachar, Vainika Vidwan M.J. Srinivasa Iyengar, 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
