Mridanga Cintamanih
Level 1 - A Beginner's Guide

A comprehensive, in depth encyclopedia on the art of Mridangam, encompassing the entire gamut of playing techniques from the basic lessons to the art of accompaniment to Vocal & Instrumental Music (Carnatic Music) has been meticulously designed for aspiring students of percussion by the greatest exponent of Mridangam, Umayalpuram Sri.K. Sivaraman. Rhythmic lessons have been explained through vocal renditions (Sollukattu or percussive phrases) and translated into Mridangam playing. The components which form the very edifice of the Mridangam art is brought out, unraveling a holistic panorama of percussive art. The whole benefit of the Gurukula system is made available by the meaningful use of technology. This magnificent set of products is a happy wedlock of tradition, creativity and novelty.Lessons in Level 1 aid in laying a strong foundation and pave the way for further advancement.

Sangita Kalanidhi Umayalpuram Sri K.Sivaraman (Padmasri & Padmabhushan awardee) a virtuoso, a trendsetter, an icon and a maestro par excellence has created this monumental work, his Magnum Opus. The quintessence of the art of Mridangam and his scholarship of over 6 decades find their expression in the magic fingers of this legend. At the altar of percussive art he offers this rare work to posterity with all the reverence and respect it deserves, not only to students of percussion, but also to the global Music fraternity, patrons of art, Music Institutions and connoisseurs of art.

Contents :

    Posture & Fingering Techniques
    A detailed elucidation of the correct postures and the use of fingers
    Basic Syllables & Alphabets
    Introduction of the elementary percussive language
    Basic Lessons
    9 Building blocks explained for a good foundation
    Sequences for Level 1
    2 sequences have been explained
    45 Exercises for Level 1
    A wardrobe of percussive patterns
    Introduction to 4 Basic Talas
    Adi, Rupaka Chapu, Misra Chapu and Kanda Chapu
    Adi Tala & Rupaka Chapu Tala
    A brief solo rendition in each incorporating the basic lessons
    Misra Chapu Tala & Kanda Chapu Tala
    A brief solo rendition in each incorporating the basic lessons
    E book
    Lessons in PDF file is an additional feature. These are excerpts from his book "The Voyage of Mrudangam and its high voltage art"

Direction : S.B.Khanthan