Dances of India - Bharata Natyam Arangetram Songs [Soundtrack]

Padma Chebrolu | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 12, 2003)
• Original Release Date: November 12, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Cultural Centre of India LLC
• ASIN: B0000Z0ESI
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #393,972 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Slokam: Guru Brahma

2. Slokam: Manikya Veena

3. Pushpanjali

4. Alarippu

5. Jatiswaram

6. Varnam

7. Padam

8. Tillana

9. Sabdam

10. Mangalam

Editorial Reviews

Dances of India – Bharata Natyam Arangetram Songs album brings you the traditional Bharata Natyam music used during the formal performances. It also has all the songs used during Arangetram (solo graduation recital) which is done after many years of intense dance training from the guru. Bharata Natyam is perhaps the oldest among the dance styles of India and considered as a form of worship. The word Bharata is believed to be derived from three essential aspects of the art: "Bha" from Bhavam (expression), "ra" from Ragam (melody/musical mode) and the "ta" from Talam (time measure).

Following are the songs from this CD:
1.Guru Brahma slokam is a prayer to God Ganesha who is the God of knowledge and remover of obstacles. Set in Raga Hamsadvani.

2.Manikya Veena slokam is a prayer to Goddess Saraswathi, Goddess of wisdom and arts. Set in Raga Kalyani.

3.Pushpanjali is a prayer dance to God Ganesha where the dancer offers flowers. During the dance, the dancer pays respects to God Ganesha, the Guru and the audience. Set in Ragam Nattai and Talam Adi.

4.Alarippu dance is accompanied by the beautiful sollukattu (rhythmic syllables) in the pure dance technique. The steps are so formed that it appears like a bud (the dancer) blooming into a flower. Set in Ragam Hindolam and Talam Rupaka.

5.Jatiswaram is a pure dance sequence. It is a dance expression of the ideas and impressions evoked by musical sounds. The performer displays the swarams (delicate nuances) and jathis (rhythmic syllables), which are pronouncedly beautiful in the Bharata Natyam technique. Set in Ragam Kalyani and Talam Rupaka.

6.Varnam song displays a great combination of both pure technique and facial expressions. This song is a prayer to Goddess Parvati. Set in Ragam Kamas and Talam Adi.

7.Padam is a song in praise of God Vishnu and his golden hand which blesses all his devotees. The song portrays the ten incarnations of God Vishnu. Set in Ragam Jenjuriti and Talam Adi.

8.Tillana is a pure dance with complicated rhythms and playful choreography. In this dance, the dancer hears the flute music of God Krishna. As she hears this beautiful music, her face blooms and her soul fills with joy. Set in Ragam Kadana Kutuhalam and Talam Adi.

9.Sabdam song is a prayer to Lord Muruga who is praised as "Dhivya Swarooban" born for Deva and Devi (Shiva and Parvathi). Set in Ragam Ragamalika and Talam Misra Chapu.

10.Mangalam is a salutation to the universe, the elements, the guru and the audiences. Set in Ragam Revati and Talam Adi.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars not what I expected, March 5, 2005

By 

Ganesha P. Vasudeva (san jose, ca) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dances of India - Bharata Natyam Arangetram Songs (Audio CD)

This follows dance items suggested by Tanjavore quartret strictly and that is the oly good thing I can say about this. It is not what I expected. A good dancer is graceful, has no wasted movements. Dancer in the dvd lacks both. Also sometimes music and the adavus are mismatched, especially in faster kalas. Of mediocre standard.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great to have..., September 21, 2005

By 

illuhstrayshuns (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dances of India - Bharata Natyam Arangetram Songs (Audio CD)

I enjoyed the arangetram songs on this cd. I am not a dancer, however, I use various types of music for inspiration. I enjoy attending live bharatanatayam dance dramas, so having this in my collection of music is a plus. I do agree that the audio is of a good quality as opposed to other audio tracks I've listened to before, where the sound is not as good.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent collection, July 17, 2004

By 

"bvssip" (Cincinnati, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dances of India - Bharata Natyam Arangetram Songs (Audio CD)

Here is an excellent collection of Bharatanatyam songs for students who are preparing for an Arangetram or are learning the dance from a teacher. Generally students in either of the aforementioned categories use poor audio compilations of the songs to prepare for their momentous day ! This CD can be used for Arangetram in lieu of a live band and it is moderately priced. Audio recording is very good.
The artists rendition of songs was authentic as well as modern. I found myself humming the tunes after a few days of listening to these songs.