Music books
Shyama Sastri, the divine composer, who was the oldest among the South Indian musical trinity, was a zealous devotee of Devi Kamakshi and envisaged her as his Mother in all his songs, pleading for her compassion and grace. His kritis, though not large in number, are incandescent gems, suffused with emotion, mind elevating substance, flowing raga bhava and rhythmic excellence of a very high order.
The contribution of the vainika vidwan Kallidaikurichi A. Sundaram Iyer to Carnatic music is truly remarkable. He was a sishya of Ambi Dikshitar, a descendant of Muthuswami Dikshitar.
``Sri Shyama Sastri Kirtana Mala," published by Sundaram Iyer, consists of 25 captivating compositions, both rare and popular in rakti ragas. Kallidaikurichi vainika vidwan S. Venkatesan, has assisted in this publication while Dr. N. V. Devi Prasad is credited with the meaning of the lyrics.
Sundaram Iyer's ``Dikshitar Kirtana Mala" is a stupendous 16-volume work. The volumes have the compositions of Muthuswami Dikshitar with sahitya in Sanskrit and notation and meanings in Tamil. Sundaram Iyer's other works include Sangita Pracheena Padhati, Tyagaraja Keerthanamala, Sthotra Ratnakarathrayam in two parts and music textbooks in accordance with the government syllabus for lower and higher grade examinations.
For copies of the music volumes, each priced at Rs. 100, write to Music Book Publishers, Post Box Number 379, Mylapore HPO, Chennai 600004.
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