Genuinity versus double jeopardy
Glamour of education in authentic art:
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In her person, she represents not only the rich
cultural legacy of Sri Lanka and a tradition of music but also a great
tradition of Indian music.
Her repertoire of music has been hailed as an
authentic expression of Carnatic music which is second to none in terms
of presentation and composition.
With an outstanding career in music for over
fifty years, Arunthathy Sri Ranganathan offers a cosmopolitan role model
in Carnatic music. Conversant with many traditions and cultures, she is
one of the few musicians and vocalists that a country can truly be proud
of, a gem in the dark mine.
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A blend of mastery in vocal with divine Veena.
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Q:
It has become a menace that those who didn't receive a formal
education and are highly dependent on screen image built up popularity
making ill-informed statements through media on ### such as music,
literature and other forms of art. The prime motive of these
self-proclaimed pundits seems to be financial gain. They speak of
subjects they are ignorant of, but assume authority over the subject
owing to their 'built up images' through media and political influence.
How would this pathetic state of affairs affect the formation of public
perception and taste especially where classical music is concerned?
A: Normally I do not think that youth ignore classical music.
Once they were introduced to the essence of classical music, they
(youth) seem to like it. In India, children learn classical music as a
part of life. However, they have been exposed to both classical and
cinematic music as some channels air classical music while others film
music. So the public has the option of listening to whichever music they
want. But in Sri Lanka, that option is not available both on radio and
television. Classical music in Sri Lanka should be focused through
media.
I feel sorry for the undergraduates who will be graduated from the
university because they have no future unless they become teachers. No
stage or platform for them and media has restricted their exposure for
classical music.
I do agree, it is a very sad situation. When wrong people sit on the
wrong board and make wrong decisions, wrong people walk away with
awards. It is happening here. Sometimes I am also amused. For I have
been in the Bharatanatyam filed for so long. I have seen some girls do
their Arangetram, the first performance in the field of Bharatanatyam.
Once they do the Arangetram, not only the girls but also their parents
speak of Bharatanatyam as if they are highly qualified in that field. In
my classes, some parents speak as if they are qualified to speak on the
subject with authority.
When these promotions, appointments and awards were granted by wrong
persons who are not in the specific fields is something which I can not
agree with. If persons who are not qualified or experienced in the
specific field, gets an award in that field, in the long run, that
person would not be able to pass on anything to the younger generation.
He will be holding on to the title. This is a bad example to society.
Persons who do not have a formal education or who have special
qualifications in other fields, talking about music, songs and popular
hits, is like a layman talking about music. For a layman, even some
popular old songs or some songs he learnt during his school career would
be to his liking. But that is not music. Such people should refrain from
talking about songs and popular hits because music is like an ocean, a
vast subject. You can say you did your degree in music. But you cannot
say that you have learnt music completely. So you have to go on learning
and improving your voice, singing quality and learning more pieces. Just
merely sticking to some popular hits and some popular shows does not
mean a full sphere of music. People who do not understand the depth of
music should refrain from talking or commenting on music.
Q: What is your view on the present state of classical music
education in Sri Lanka in general and Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam
in particular?
A: Concerning classical music education, the system of
education in Sri Lanka is good. We have many universities like
University of Visual and Performing Arts, University of Sri
Jayewardenepura, University of Kelaniya, University of Jaffna and
Eastern University which has commenced degree programmes both in
teaching music and dancing. And the syllabus is well-set which is not
second to Indian musicsyllabus. The first boy, who studiedCarnatic music
for his degree, was absorbed into a university in Hyderabad and
completed his MA in Carnatic music. Even the students, who follow degree
course in Hindustani music, go for MAs in Indian Universities. For the
first time, a degree course in Western Music has been commenced at the
University of Visual and Performing Arts.

Arunthathy Sri Ranganathan in the company of K. Padmasri, K. J.
Jesudas, a leading playback singer and Dr. Pundit Amaradeva.
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Apart from these universities, we have an organization titled North
Ceylon Oriental Music Society functioning from Jaffna and attached to
the Ministry of Education. The society conducts examinations for six
grades (six examinations) and the final examination which is called
Teacher's Certificate, is equivalent to a Diploma. Most of the students
sit for the examinations conducted by the society annually. The number
is increasing annually. So the system of education in classical music is
good in general.
Q: What is the kind of support you expect in the areas of
policy making to improve and foster these unique traditions and forms of
art?
A: However, whether they are passing out as very good
performers or getting more talent into the Sri Lankan music scene is yet
an unfulfilled task.
To some extent, Cultural Centres set up by the Cultural Ministry
promotes art. However, some areas have not been covered. I think that
national television and radio have a responsibility in promoting and
fosteringclassical music by designing their programme schedules so as to
give air times for featuring classical music and art forms.
Q: What is the significant role played by fundamentals, theory
and tradition in mastering art?
A: I think fundamentals and tradition are a must,in learning
an art form. When learning an art, you have to start with basic
exercises whether it be music or dance. When you come to music, you have
to understand notes that you sing. I have come across so many of these
so called 'Super Stars',who come for competitions, we mention that their
pitch is not correct and correct the pitch and voice. They say "They are
talking about pitch and I do not know what they mean by it". They do not
know the basics. But some of them were very talented. They do not
understand notes. When young musicians come I tell them "you learn the
basics. Fundamentals are necessary even if you do not become a musician
you become a good listener". If you know the fundamentals of music, even
other forms of music like Persian music, you enjoy more and learn more.
Q: Can anyone learn serious forms of art such as classical
music without any knowledge of traditions and fundamentals?
A: Learning the tradition is a must. My view is that every man
shouldunderstand that fundamentals are necessary. People who specialize
in certain areas and follow special course will learn more. Listening to
some play back singer's song and imitating is done by most of the
youngsters. However, you cannot master in that field and you cannot be a
top professional without knowing the fundamentals, especially in the
oriental system (Raga Systems, Scales and notes) and in dance, Tala
systems, step movements and Bhava. Without the knowledge of fundamentals
you cannot master any art. Tradition plays a major role. To master any
form of art, you have to understand that tradition.
Q: What is your advice to newcomers and those who aspire to
learn classical forms of art?
A: Those who aspire to learn classical music should first
select a correct Guru and learn the traditional way. You have also to be
patient. Parents should be involved and learn art form properly and
slowly and 'Guru Bakthi' (respect teacher) is very important. Once the
children come to class their mind and soul should be with the subject.
Every child should learn any form of art. They should also understand
the gravity of the subject.
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During her outstanding career in Carnatic
music, she has composed music for more than fifty dance dramas and
rendered her voice to them. She designed and produced Sava Sangeeta for
SLBC and Rupavahini. Her music compositions are played in many parts of
the globe such as Australia, Canada and Norway. She commenced producing
an ethnic harmony concert titled “Harmony or Friends in Unity”. The
concert was held ten times and will be held on September 20 in Galle
once again. She holds an honours Degree in Economics from the University
of Peradeniya. She earned her laurels in many areas including a Double
Diploma in Carnatic Music and Teachers Certificate in Vocal and Veena.
She had the fortune of studing under the tutelage of Maharajapuram
Santhanam and Kalyana Krishna Bagawathar of South India. She was awarded
an honourary doctorate from the International University of Marshal Arts
Sokato University, Japan in recognition of her unique contribution to
the field of music.
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