THYAGARAJA
Thyagaraja is one of the most
popular among the composers of Carnatic music. He was born on 4 May 1767
at Tiruvaiyarur, Tamil Nadu. Thyagaraja was one of those precious
gems who gave a new direction to Indian music. He was a profound scholar
and poet and also known as 'Sangeet-Guru'.
The music compositions, 'Tyagaraja Gana', 'Valmikiya Kavana' and 'Agumbeya
Astamaya' are said to be unique for enrapturing the human heart.
Thyagaraja
composed devotional verses and set them to music. He popularised music
in the form of Kirtans. His immortal 'Pancharatna Kritis' (the five gems)
reveal the mastery of his genius. He was of the view that art cannot be
weighed in money, nor can it be compensated by it. He composed 700 verses
and set them to music in 500 different ragas.
Eighteenth and Nineteenth centuries are
significant in the annals of Indian music because of Thyagaraja. His special
sound effect which revolutionised Carnatic music distinguished Thyagaraja
in the field of poetry. He also created two operas: 'Prahlada Bhakti Vijayam'
and 'Nauka charitam'. Majority of his songs are in Telugu while a number
of them are in Sanskrit. He was renowned as one among the trinities of
Carnatic music.
Spiritually
he was one of the rare souls who gave up everything and cared for nothing
else beyond the grace of God. The only things that mattered to him was
his music and faith. He was a great devotee of Lord Rama. Thyagaraja passed
away on 6th January 1847.
'Thyagaraja Aradhana',
a music festival is held in commemoration every year towards the end
of January at Thiruvaiyaru, Thyagaraja's birth place.
More
details of Thyagaraja Aradhana. |
