V. Srinivasan, the mridangam player on this album, is a disciple of legendary mridangam exponent Kumbakonam Shree M. Rajappa Iyer.
Historical Context
India has a long-established choral tradition, with origins traced back to at least 1700, predating Western choral music introduced by colonization.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The recording reflects the plurality of the 'living Indian Choral tradition,' blending various influences like Konkani sacred music, Hindi poetry, and excerpts from the Upanishads.
Album & Artwork
The album's title, "Divine Light," reflects the theme of India's diverse and interfaith choral tradition.
Cultural Impact
Rabindranath Tagore, a polymathic humanist whose works are featured on this album, received the 1913 Nobel Prize for Literature, making him the first non-European to do so.
Recording & Production
This album includes six world premiere recordings, highlighting new contributions to the Indian choral tradition.
Performer Biography
Nirmala Rajasekar, a world-leading Saraswati Veena player featured on this album, has performed at the United Nations and Carnegie Hall, and won an NAACP Image Award.
