Compositions of Thyagaraja
Anthology of Thyagaraja’s songs with meaning, translation and transliteration
THE COMPLETE KRITIS OF SRI THYAGARAJA: Compiled by Maddali Venkata Subbayya, Telugu script with English transliteration and translation, The ICFAI University Press, 52, Nagarjuna Hills, Punjagutta, Hyderabad- 500082. Rs. 625.
Pappu Venugopala Rao
Thyagaraja is believed to be an incarnation of Valmiki by some and there is a popular myth which attributes 24,000 compositions to this composer. However, in reality we find about 700 compositions of Thyagaraja. There are 711 with notations published by Manchala Jaganatha Rao.
There are also some interpolations in some of the editions where compositions with Thyagaraja mudra written by others have been included. The book under review also carries some.
According to Balantrapu Rajanikanta Rao about 660 songs can be attributed to Thyagaraja, whereas present research reveals a number close to 700 as the final number of compositions.
Thyagaraja composed in 205 ragas of 53 melakartas. He does not seem to have written in about 19 melakartas or their derivatives. There are some ragas which are exclusively handled by him and scholars believe that he gave shape and form to about 100 ragas.
This book is a very scholarly exercise with Telugu script, English transliteration and translation for 717 compositions. The following Kritis included in the book bearing the serial numbers given are some which are not Thyagaraja’s compositions. Some of them are conclusively proved to be authored by others: 2- Abhimaanamikennadu kalgu in Vivardhini/Kunjari (of Mannarugudi Rajagopalayya); 96- Diname sudinamu in Latangi (of Grisa Iyer); 393- Nee sarisaati evaru ledanucu in Hemavati; 463- Paraangmukhamel raa in Surati (of Mannargudi Rajagopalayya); 507- Ramanaamamu janma rakshaka mantramu in Atana; 690- Vaarijanayana neevaadanu in Kedaragowla; 695- Vedalenu kodandapaani in Todi (of Tanjore Krishna Bhagavatar); 709- Vinataasuta vaahanudai in Hari kambhoji (of Ramanathapuram K.V. Srinivasa Iyengar).
Features
The meaning, transliteration and translation are simple, lucid and to the point. The book begins with a short history of Thyagaraja aptly describing the salient features of his compositions and his devotion. Though it may sound a bit strange, the author has followed English alphabetical order in presenting the compositions. In addition to this confusion there is no list of songs either in the contents or at the end. However, these do not diminish the quality, readability and usefulness of the book.
The book will be of immense use to all students and performing artists and successfully helps in the areas of correct pronunciation and understanding the bhava of the compositions. The compiler has made a commendable effort ably assisted by a team of editors.
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