| A study of select varnas of tiger varadachariar |
| KarnÄtÌ£aka classical music is known for its rich and diverse repertoire, shaped by centuries of contributions from composers, most notably the Trinity—TyÄgarÄja, MuddusvÄmi DÄ«ksÌ£ita, and ÅšyÄmÄ ÅšÄstri—and their disciples. In the 20th century, Tiger Varadachariar emerges as a significant figure whose multifaceted role as a musician, scholar, teacher, and composer merits closer attention. While his varnÌ£a-s are relatively more popular in performance practice compared to his krÌ£ti-s and tillÄna-s, they still remain underexplored in the concert repertoire, indicating the need for renewed focus on his compositions.
The varnÌ£a holds a unique place in KarnÄtÌ£aka music, serving as a bridge between practice and performance. Through its structured form, it captures the essential features and characteristic phrases of a rÄga, making it a vital tool in both pedagogy and artistic presentation. This paper aims to bring Tiger Varadachariar's select varnÌ£a-s to the forefront and analyse his portrayal of rÄga-s through this compositional form. The study is based on published notations and select recordings available in the public domain. By examining the melodic structures and key phrases evident in these varnÌ£a-s, the study sheds light on the composer’s innovative approach to rÄga delineation. His varnÌ£a-s, while adhering to the traditional frameworks of rÄga grammar, also exhibit his distinct creative imprint, reflecting a deep understanding of both theoretical frameworks and aesthetic expression.
By undertaking this analysis, the study not only contributes to a greater appreciation of Tiger Varadachariar’s compositional style but also underscores the importance of revisiting and reviving lesser-performed works of the 20th century. In doing so, it aims to enrich the contemporary understanding of KarnÄtÌ£aka music’s compositional heritage. |
| Author: Ms. Vaishnavi Harish and Vijayasri G
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Submitted on : 16-Sep-2025
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Arts : /Music/Carnatic classical music |
| Journal ID : 4773-915-3517
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| Views: 70/ Downloads :0 |
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