Tribute to Percussionists | Ravikiran's Tillana on Mrdangam | Madhav-Raghav Vocal | Madhav Mrdangam
Channel: Ravikiran Creations and Collaborations
Date: 2020-06-09

This tillana of Ravikiran's in the relatively rare Indian Raga Karnataka Shuddhasaveri in Khanda Triputa (a time cycle of 9 units) has a striking start with the first alphabets taught in the Indian percussion instrument, mrdangam - ta, dhi, tom and nam. The piece also contains other lessons in the Indian drum language and the lyrics -  in praise of Lord Shiva, a renowned musicians and dancer himself mention traditional drums like dundubhi and damaru etc. The tillana is capped off with interesting rhythmic patterns known as mrdangam yati.  The composer has intended this piece as a tribute to not only exponents of the mrdangam but to the entire world of percussion.  

This is from a recent online performance by vocalists by Madhav & Raghav, known as Patangi Brothers.  Madhav has also subsequently accompanied this on the mrdangam. 

Hailed as "Mozart of India" (Wisconsin State Journal & Belgium TV) and known for his "Teasing precision & dazzling effects" (New York Times) and for "Taking Indian music to new audiences" (CNN), Ravikiran's maiden stage appearance was at age two, first vocal concert was at age 5 and first chitravina (21-string slide) concert was at age 12.  He has composed over 800 compositions including dance and orchestral works and has also set music to over 1400 compositions of other composers.  His compositions include a number of unique pieces in both Indian classical and world music as well as pieces eulogizing great personalities like Buddha, Vyasa, Adi Shankara, Ramanuja, Ramana Maharshi, Kanchi Paramacharya, M S Subbulakshmi, Pt Ravishankar and his guru, Chitravina Narasimhan.  Ravikiran has been decorated with a number of awards across the world for his contributions.