Learn Carnatic Flute | Sri.Thyagaraja Krithis - Vol 5

TYAGARAJA (1767–1847)

Tyagaraja, born as Thyagarajan in a Telugu Iyengar family in Hanumanchalam, a small village near Gostha Kalapadu, now in Andhra Pradesh, was a child prodigy and later became one of the most renowned composers, singers, and musicians in the history of Carnatic music. His contributions to music have been so profound that he is revered as a Trinity, along with Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Sastri, who revolutionized the field of Carnatic music.

Life and Musical Journey:

• Tyagaraja's early exposure to music was influenced by his father, who taught him the basics of Carnatic music and the veena.
• His compositions focused on expression over technicalities, reflecting his deep devotion to Lord Rama.
• He rejected a royal invitation from the king of Thanjavur, citing his dedication to a life of devotion and his reluctance to perform in a courtly setting.
• Tyagaraja spent most of his life in Tiruvaiyaru and was known for his association with the Sri Ramar Janmasthanam temple there.

Musical Concepts:

• He excelled in concepts like Śruti, Svara, Rāga, Tāḷa, and Mēḷakarta, which are fundamental to Carnatic music.
• His compositions include Gītaṃ (songs), Svarajati (melody composition with a particular raga), Varṇaṃ (poetic forms), Kr̥ti (compositions with both musical and poetic elements), Kīrtana (devotional songs), Rāgaṃ Tānaṃ Pallavi (composition style involving a raga and a tala with an improvised musical phrase), and Tillana (light classical compositions).

Compositions:

• Tyagaraja's vast repertoire of music is estimated to include around 24,000 songs, but only about 700 have been preserved.
• He composed two significant musical plays: "Prahalada Bhakti Vijayam" and "Nauka Charitam." The former includes 45 kritis and is a five-act play based on the story of Prahalada, while the latter is a one-act play with 21 kritis.

Legacy:

• Every year, Tyagaraja Aradhana is celebrated in Thiruvaiyaru to honor his contributions to Carnatic music. This festival sees musicians from all over the world coming together to perform his compositions.
• A significant event during this week-long festival is the mass singing of the Pancharatna Kritis, where hundreds of singers join in unison with a large accompanying ensemble.

Tyagaraja's legacy lives on through his music, which continues to inspire and captivate listeners and musicians alike. His compositions are a testament to his genius and his dedication to the art of music, and they remain integral to the Carnatic musical tradition even today. His influence extends beyond the realm of music into the spiritual and philosophical domains, as his songs often convey profound messages of devotion, philosophy, and human values.