P. Unnikrishnan | Raag Latangi
Carnatic Tradition
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57m
Aparadhamula,’ was composed in Raag Latangi by Patnam Subramania Iyer (1845-1902). A devotional kriti, this song blends beautifully with the compassionate and courageous emotions of Latangi. Iyer was a prolific and versatile composer who took ahead the musical tradition of Thyagaraja (1767-1847).
Unnikrishnan deftly holds his audience with his soulful and melodious voice, embellishing the kriti with a variety of swarakalpanas .
The raga unfolds with evocative clauses in mellowed nuances, leaving a lingering effect on the mind. Unnikrishnan’s sensitive sequencing of the phrases during the elaboration of Latangi speaks volumes of his refined craftsmanship and ability to portray the raga in its most beautiful light.
Jyotsna Srikanth (violin), Bangalore Praveen (mridangam) and RN Prakash (ghatam) give a refreshing accompaniment adding moments of joy and excitement to this concert.
Latangi is the 63rdmelakarta raga of the Carnatic system. It uses all 7 notes of the scale in its ascent and descent. Because of the mixed emotions it portrays, it has attained popularity as a raga in the past century, making its way into various songs and compositions. It is the 3rd raga in the 11th chakra Rudra and its mnemonic name is Rudra-Go.
Its arohana and avarohaṇa are as follows:
S R₂ G₃ M₂ P D₁ N₃ Ṡ
Ṡ N₃ D₁ P M₂ G₃ R₂ S
The notes used in Latangi are chathusruthi risabha, antara gandhara, prati madhyama, suddha dhaivatha, kakali nisadha. As it is a melakarta ragam, by definition it is a sampoorna ragam, that is, it has all seven notes in its ascent and descent. It is the prati madhyama equivalent of Sarasangi, which is the 27th melakarta.
Musicians :
- P. Unnikrishnan (vocal)
- Jyotsna Srikanth (violin)
- Bangalore Praveen (mridangam)
- RN Prakash (ghatam)
- Priya Prakash (tanpura)
Raag: Latangi, Composition by Patnam Subramania Iyer (1845-1902)
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