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Mridangist
The mridangam is a percussion instrument of ancient origin. It is the primary rhythmic accompaniment in a Carnatic music ensemble. In Dhrupad, a modified version, the pakhawaj, is the primary percussion instrument. A related instrument is the Kendang, played in Maritime Southeast Asia. During a percussion ensemble, the mridangam is often accompanied by the ghatam, the kanjira, and the morsing. Etymology The word "Mridangam" is formulated by the union (sandhi) of the two Sanskrit words ''mŗt'' (clay or earth) and ''anga'' (limb), as the earliest versions of the instrument were made of hardened clay. Legend In ancient Hinduism, 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 (bull), 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 t ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Palani Subramaniam Pillai
Pazhani Subramania Pillai (1909–1962) was a well known Carnatic music percussionist. He, along with his contemporaries Palghat Mani Iyer and Ramanathapuram C. S. Murugabhoopathy, are revered as the "Holy Trinity of Mridanga". He was adept in playing the ''mridangam'' and ''kanjira''. He was the '' sishya'' (disciple) of the celebrated Palani Muthaiah Pillai (his father). Early life Subramania Pillai was born on 20 April 1908. His mother was Unnamulai Ammal, and his father, Muthaiah Pillai, who was also a mridangist. He learned mridangam under the tutelage of his father and also had the friendship of ‘Thavil Panchami’ Malikkottai Panchapakesa Pillai. He was also influenced by a renowned mridangist at the time, Dakshinamurthy Pillai. Pillai in return showered great love and affection on young Palani, whom he looked upon as his own son. Before he turned twenty, Palani had the good fortune to accompany stalwarts like Kanchipuram Nayana Pillai, Mazhavarayanendal Subbarama Bhav ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
