Karaikudi Mani
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Music gives life to many, but there are few who give life to Music. Karaikudi R Mani(b.September 11, 1945).
| Karaikudi R Mani | |
| Born | September 11, 1945 Karaikudi |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Percussionist |
Contents |
[edit] Personal Life
Karaikudi R Mani aka Guru Kaaraikkudi Mani was born on September 11, 1945 at Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu. He is the son of Late Sri.T. Ramanatha Iyer and Smt. Pattammal. He stepped into Carnatic Music at the tender age of 3. Although he commenced with Vocal training, very soon he realized his special interest was in Percussion and switched over to Mridangam.
His Gurus were Karaikudi Sri Rangu Iyengar, Sri T R Hari hara Sharma and Sri K M Vaidyanathan. His first stage performance took place when he was 8 years old at Karaikudi. Thereafter his dedication and hard work to excel in the chosen field resulted in the Karakudi Mani Bhani (Style), which won the hearts of many young percussionists and others all over the World.
He was well known as "Master Mani" down south wherein he has shared stage and performed with many local artists and won many rewards and gold medals.
[edit] Career
“Master Mani” as he was well known, was soon performing regularly. He was growing up in what is now hailed as the Golden era of music. It was the time when the Great father of Mridangam, Sri Palghat Mani Iyer was in his prime. Mani professes immense admiration for the veteran Mridangist. In his early days, Mani idolised the great Palghat Mani Iyer, and soon became noticed by the Mridangam giant himself. Mani proclaims one of his greatest accolades to be the instance when Sri Palghat Mani Iyer praised Mani in a public concert.
Master Mani was soon making a mark in the Carnatic world through his natural born flair and devotion to music. He commenced tutelage under Sri Haihara Sharma after moving to Madras . Master Mani received his first national award from the then President of India, Dr Radhakrishnan at the tender age of 18. For the next 4 decades, he declined the scores of prestigious awards that were offered to him, until 1999 when he accepted the national award from Sangeeth Natak Academy . This was presented by the President of India at the time, Mr K.R. Narayanan.
As a teenage musician he performed with some of the finest in the Carnatic industry. Mani progressed quickly from strength to strength and became a highly sought after Mridangist, performing with the likes of D K Pattamal, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, M BalamuraliKrishna Madurai Somu, Chembai Vaidhyanatha Bagavathar, TR Mahalingam, Voletti Venkateshwaralu, M D Ramanathan,M.S.Subbulakshmi to mention a few.
[edit] Sruthi Laya
In 1986, he started a unique ensemble combining melody and percussion under one roof with some leading artists called "SRUTHI LAYA". He gave importance to taalavadya concerts and released CDs namely Sruthi Laya Vol 1 and 2, Lya Chitra, Laya Priya, Pushkaram, Melodessey etc. With these unique ensembles, the talavadya instruments and thani avartanam concerts gained respect and elevated Mridangam to a different league. This awareness gave a thrust to many contemporary artists to bring out audio and CD albums.
Guru Kaaraikkudi Mani was the pioneer in bringing Mridangam to the centre stage. He also gave a new dimension when he fusioned Mridangam with other traditional instruments such as Thavil and Chendai. He has presented many Lec-Dem programmes all over the world. Students and enthusiasts have greatly benefited from these.
In 1989 , SRUTHI LAYA SEVA School was started in a small room in Rangarajapuram, Chennai with 5 minutes thani avarthanam by Sri Guru Surajananda's Mridanga Naadam. With Guruji's blessings now the school has its centres at Chennai, Bangalore, Australia, London, USA, and Canada. More than 1000 students learn Mridangam through this school directly or indirectly.
[edit] Bhani
Karaikuidi Mani remembers with jovial nostalgia his first international tour with Madurai Somu. Since then he has travelled widely and established centres in many foreign destinations. It was during this period that the seeds were sewn for the inception of a new style of playing Mridangam, The Karaikudi Mani Bani (style). Mani was beginning to develop his own techniques of playing Mridangam. Traditionally there are different styles in Carnatic music. These have been passed on for generations through the Gurukula system. It takes a lifetime for many to even comprehend one style of music. In this context, we can begin to understand what an extraordinary achievement it is to create a bani /style, which is what Mani has successfully accomplished. In the 1960's and 1970's, this young musician was taking the Carnatic world by storm. He was now well established, performing with the cream of Carnatic musicians. His flawless clarity and supreme sound quality appealed to audiences, musicians and students, both in India and world wide. The Karaikkudi Mani Bani was born.
[edit] What's So Special with Mani-Bhani
So what is so special about Karaikudi Mani Bani ? It is an optimum blend of precise mathematics, scientific logical reasoning presented through expressive aestheticism. There are clear structures and patterns in this Bani , the approach to music is systematic, yet maintaining all the spontaneous attributes of the artform. The style advocates purity and classism, with no place for “gimmicks”. Mani has composed and formulated such an intricate system of music, embellished by novel fingering techniques and strokes. Many of his senior students and fans will tell you that it was his refreshing style coupled with his enthralling presentation of music that initially attracted them to him. It is believed that currently, Mani has over 2000 students under his Bani . However, the influence of his music has more far reaching consequences. A senior vocalist recently commented in a public gathering that over the last 20-30 years, a significant proportion of Mridangists (both within and outside of the Karaikkudi Mani Bani) have been influenced by mani's music and have adopted elements of this style.
[edit] Spiritually Musical
As the 1970's drew to a close, a major change in the life of Mani occurred. He met his Spiritual Guru, Sri Guru Surajananda. Mani often talks about his Guruji, and has proclaimed that his way of thinking and lifestyle was completely transformed after meeting this celestial mentor. He attributes his success and achievements to the heartfelt blessings of his great Guruji. He soon attained the status of being one of the world's foremost Mridangists, performing regularly with leading artistes such as Lalgudi Jayaraman, N Ramani , Maharajapuram Santhanam, DK Jayaraman, K V Narayanaswamy and other stalwarts of that era.
For an artiste who had reached the pinnacle of his profession at such a young age by Carnatic music standards, one felt what else is there left to strive for professionally? However, amongst mani's most admirable attributes are his desire to innovate, persevere and his dedication to hard work. The next highlight in his life came when he founded his institution, Sruthi Laya Seva. This was humbly inaugurated in 1986 in Madras by Mani , Guru Surajananda. Since then, Mani has established several centres within India as well as in the UK , Australia , Germany , and USA .
mani's inherent desire to propagate the highly sophisticated structure of South Indian Rhythm and present innovative rhythmic ideologies led him to set up the Sruthi Laya percussion ensemble. This was supported by a large orchestra. For this he composed several musical pieces as well as rhythmic compositions, these have been released on CD's. (One of his pieces, “Vasantha Pravaham” is being performed by students in tonight's programme as a tribute.) The group performed all over India as well as abroad. This venture was well received by Carnatic fans and critics. Such talavadya cutcheri's (percussion ensembles) have contributed significantly in raising the profile of Indian percussion both in India and worldwide. mani's aptitude as a composer as well as a music director was coming to the forefront.
[edit] Thani Avarthanam - A Concept
He conducted and orchestrated several such concerts, notably a collaboration with Sri VS Narasimhan in 1990 presented Melodyssey, a project with 40 artistes, including westerns and Indian Instruments. This won widespread appreciation and was released on tape.
Already acknowledged as one of the titans in Laya (Rhythm), Mani's Bani had spread worldwide. His service to his art continued with his next endeavour, the concept of “Thani Avarthanam” concerts. Whilst Thala Vadya (Percussion ensemble) concerts in Carnatic music were not unheard of, the concept of just 2 percussion instruments performing solo's without any other “sruthi” performers (eg. vocal, violin etc) had never been attempted. In 1993, Karaikudi Mani presented his first Thani Avarthanam concert along with the late Kanjira wizard G Harishankar. This spellbinding performance is regarded a landmark moment in the classical percussion field. It has revolutionised the role of the Mridangam, proving that as an art form, South Indian percussion instruments can be played as solo instruments in their own right. A concept initiated by Mani has since been undertaken by several leading Mridangists who have also performed Thani Avarthanam concerts. Since then, Mani has conducted several “Thani Avarthanam” duet concerts featuring leading percussionists on Ghatam, Thavil, Chendai, etc.
The musician, Karaikkudi R Mani has the ability to mesmerise the audience. A perfect unison of rhythm and melody, a wonderful blend of intricate laya patterns and soulful sarvalagu exemplified by crisp clarity makes this artiste complete in every sense. This combined with majestic valour in mani's playing enables him to produce a magnetic vibration on stage that is simply infectious. In a Thani Avarthanam concert, the talent of this inimitable musician is not only displayed through Mridangam. Mani is a proficient vocalist also, and will often sing a short Ragam, Thanam, Pallavi before commencing his solo. He is also distinguished in the art of Konnakol which also sometime forms part of his performances.
[edit] Fifty Fest
In Mani we see the rare quality of being not only a captivating performer but also one of the most successful Carnatic teachers of recent times. Mani has attracted students from all corners of the world. Many of his students are fully fledged musicians. He has the inherent ability to assess a student's capability and tailor his teachings in a way so as to amplify their potential. A tribute to mani's dedication and affection to his students was demonstrated by a unique felicitation to the Maestro. On the 12 th June 2003, the overflowing hall of Narada Gana Sabha honoured Mani with thunderous applause as he received a luxury car presented by his senior students to mark his golden jubilee (Fifty Fest - 50 years service) as a musician. Yet another landmark moment as Mani became possibly the first musician to receive such a tribute from his students.
[edit] Fusion
Having conquered the South Indian music field, Mani set his eyes to the West. As a person, Mani has always been generous, let it be in the act of giving material goods or in sincerely imparting knowledge to students. He is a wonderful host. It is this quality, his willingness to share ideas, eagerness to experiment and innovate, open mindedness and dedication to hardwork that has made him a master in fusion music also. mani's involvement with fusion started in 1996, when he collaborated with the Australian Art Orchestra. This led to the release of a jazz fusion CD, “Into the Fire”.
Many would have thought it unlikely that such a pious Carnatic classicist would move into fusion music. However, mani's approach to fusion is methodical and produced after much research, planning together with innovative ingenuity. He believes that fusion is not just the coming together of musical instruments but the fusing of musical systems done by musicians who have sufficient expertise to produce music that is inseparable. A notable aspect of mani's fusion is the technical perfection that is maintained with the fusion adhering to the rules of classical music at all times.
[edit] International Collaboration
Guru Kaaraikkudi Mani has performed with many international artists like Paul Grabowsky of Australian Art Orchestra, Eero Haemmeneimi of Finland Naada group, Elio Marchesini La Scala percussionist and Livio Magnini of italy, Paul Simon of USA and with Finland Philharmonic Orchestra. A piece called Layapriya was performed with Finland Philharmonic Orchestra which was later performed by the Battery Dance Company as a dance ballet. The Australian Art Orchestra has adapted his Bahudari and Ranjani compositions into Jazz syle and released it as "Into The Fire". The Naada group of Finland has converted the Behag composition into Jazz orchestrization and released it as "UNMATCHED". It is his greatness as a percussion maestro that made Eero Haemmeneimi dedicates 4 compositions in his name.
GURU KAARAIKUDI Mani's, innovative mind, with a desire to explore fresh avenues, has been responsible for the enviable slot that he occupies in the field of percussion. His latest venture titled, "Amrutham - Fusion for Freedom" is an imaginative, novel effort that has captured many fans. Apart from that, he has also collaborated with Japanese musician JOHN KAIZAN NEPTUNE to create an album named "Steps in Time". In this album, Guru Kaaraikkudi mani has created a unique synthesis of shakuhachi and Indian percussion.
In 2007, mani has started the Sruthi Laya Kendra institution in New Jersey Ramsey, USA and Mridanga Seshthiram of Toronto-Canada merged with Sruthi laya Kendra.
[edit] Musician, Editor, Founder
- Guru Kaaraikkudi Mani is the first percussionist to start a music magazine called " Layamani Layam " and it is running successfully now for the past 13 years.
- SRUTHI LAYA KENDRA, Chennai, for the past 19 years has been conducting winter music festival dedicated to Guru Surajananda. The Guru Surajananda and Gowri Manohari awards with a cash award of Rs. 10,000 each are given to eminent personalities and best performers during the festival season.
- SRUTHI LAYA KENDRA, Secunderabad center has been conducting annual music and dance festival for the past 7 years. Cash award of Rs. 10,000 is given to eminent personalities in the name of Sri Ganapathi Sachidananda Swamigal of Mysore.
- Guru Kaaraikkudi Mani's involvement in the last 55 years to development of Mridangam art has been exclusive and innovative. To mark this occasion , a group of students have presented him with a luxury car. An effort such as this has not been attempted before, in any part of the world for any kind of music.
Mani has still on the mission with multiplied determination and enthusiasm, of propagating the value of Rhythm in music and the role of Mridangam and the importance of rhythm in music to reach the masses worldwide and catapulting mridangam with multiplied determination and enthusiasm to more curious heights
[edit] SEASUN - The Gurukulam
Guru Kaaraikkudi Mani has launched a gurukulam called "Seasun Gurukulam" off East Coast Road near the seashore at Panayur Chennai - 600-119 (18 km away from mylapore chennai). The Seasun School is situated near the sashore environment. It is, strongly emphasized that the curricula demand high-quality academic achievement. It requires concentrated and consistent study. The gurukulam consist of guestrooms, classroom, common kitchen and music library for learners. The intensity of the program normally consists of weekend study, daily classes, and field exercises. Several short trips are made during the year in connection with courses.
[edit] Motto - Stay, Study, Shine
The motto behind the gurukalam is Stay, Study and Shine
[edit] Stay
Stay - Self-discipline is important in any endeavor of life. It is best defined as the ability to regulate one's conduct by principle and sound judgment, rather than by impulse, desire, or social custom, basically staring from keeping the time, finishing of what being started and last but not the least respecting and value to parents and elders. Clinically, self-discipline may be summarized in one word: obedience. To exercise self-discipline is to avoid evil by staying within the bounds of God's law. Staying in gurukulam will also helps in the development of self discipline in their own life.
[edit] Study
Study - Learners will be given rigorous practice and strenuous exercise during the tenure at gurukulam. It helps the learners to excel in their specific art.
[edit] Shine
Shine - Apart from Hard work, Smart work makes a person prolific in his career. Gurukulam not only makes learners work harder, but also makes work smarter which makes them shine in future.
[edit] The Legend
Guru Kaaraikkudi Mani, a veteran of fifty five years in the field of Carnatic music is not just a great performer, but a dedicated teacher too. With a zest and passion rarely found elsewhere, he has created a veritable generation of musicians and artists to sustain his style into the next millennium. A composer of considerable acclaim, he has wowed audiences the world over with the Carnatic and jazz ensembles. To truly take Carnatic Music to masses, he has been single-handedly editing and publishing a bimonthly magazine called Layamani Layam for the past 13 years. His unique organizing skill (as exemplified by the many percussion schools he runs world-wide and the annual music festival he conducts at Chennai, India) makes for a really multi-faceted personality. Quite interestingly though, it is not the above qualities that set him apart. His humility, down-to-earthness, dedication, discipline and honesty are what set him apart as a shining sun in this constellation of lesser stars.
