LCF Hangouts - Episode 10: Mylai Sri Karthikeyan | TAMIL | With FULL English Subtitles |

We are so delighted to bring you a special episode with Mylai Sri Karthikeyan.
Nagaswaram is one of the most ancient and unique traditional instruments, playing an essential role in our culture - one we must preserve. Nagaswara vidwans are the guardians of ancient ragas and temple traditions, honed by their rigorous and uncompromising practice regime.
In this episode, we discuss the history and construction of the instrument, playing techniques and we deconstruct a Mallari, one of the traditional compositional forms unique to nagaswaram.
Mylai Sri Karthikeyan mesmerises and captivates audiences with his phenomenal mastery of the instrument and deep musicianship, yet makes it accessible and exciting through his vision to bring Nagaswaram music to all.
This episode is all in Tamil, FULL English subtitles available : click CC.
Timestamps
Let’s Chat: 00:20
01:00 Initiation and gurus
02:00 Nagaswaram or Nadaswaram - History of the name
02:41 Why did you choose to become a full-time Nagaswara musician?
03:45 History of the instrument and Literature
07:50 Learning Carnatic Vocal
08:32 Structure and Construction of Nagawaram including raga demonstration
19:50 Playing in temples vs concerts: Song choices and norms.
21:42 Brief introduction to Mallari
25:30 Influences in/of Nagaswaram baani
28:25 Unique aspects in the Nagaswaram/Thavil tradition
29:50 Online collaboration
31:00 Differences: playing with Tavil v other instruments/musicians
32:18 Representation and opportunities during Dec Music season.
33:22 Demonstration of Thimiri Nagaswaram : Nattaikurinji Alapana
35:00 Difficulties: playing in processions, general techniques.
38:50 Taking Nagaswaram to the next level.
Rapid Fire: 39:31
Mallari Deconstructed : 46:19
We discussed the general structure, composition, composers and the types of Mallari. Mylai Karthikeyan plays and sings, for us too!
Unplugged: 53:08
1. Tanam in Kalyani 53:26
2. Raga Alapana in Sahana 56:36
Credits:
Outro - Swamimalai Saravanan, ‘Ragam: Desh’
Photos - Provided by Mylai Kartikeyan
Hosts:
Ranjan Vasudevan
Marthungi Uthayakumar
Aditi Subramanian