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OF GIFTED VOICE: The Life and Art of M.S. Subbulakshmi
M.S. Subbulakshmi's life was one of extraordinary achievement. Although she was portrayed in many ways - as a musician who sought and achieved an all-India appeal; a philanthropist and supporter of noble causes; an icon of style; a woman of piety and devotion; and a friend and associate of the good and the great - she was first and foremost a classical vocalist of the highest rank, of unmatched gifts, who lives on in the musical history of India.
Of Gifted Voice looks at her life and times, and the great musical tradition she belonged to and to which she brought so much, against the larger backdrop of the developments in the world of Carnatic music. It describes how music came to be performed in concerts; the impact the gramophone, the radio and the talkie had on music; the decline of the traditional performing families; and the appearance of women on public platforms. The book also delves into Subbulakshmi's brush with films as well as her concert style and that of her celebrated contemporaries.
Though her story has often been told, we know little of the woman behind the image and the musician behind the public persona. Of Gifted Voice attempts, with warmth and keen-eyed perception, to understand the music, the history, the artiste and her incomparable presence
Of Gifted Voice looks at her life and times, and the great musical tradition she belonged to and to which she brought so much, against the larger backdrop of the developments in the world of Carnatic music. It describes how music came to be performed in concerts; the impact the gramophone, the radio and the talkie had on music; the decline of the traditional performing families; and the appearance of women on public platforms. The book also delves into Subbulakshmi's brush with films as well as her concert style and that of her celebrated contemporaries.
Though her story has often been told, we know little of the woman behind the image and the musician behind the public persona. Of Gifted Voice attempts, with warmth and keen-eyed perception, to understand the music, the history, the artiste and her incomparable presence
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Published January 7, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 30, 2021
OF GIFTED VOICE
By Desiraju Keshav
This book is a biography of M. S. Subbulakshmi. She was born into a humble devadasi home, her talent and dedication to her art made her one of India’s most critically acclaimed classical singers.
Even if we try to simply portray her, it can been done in many ways - as a musician who sought and achieved an all-India appeal; a philanthropist and supporter of noble causes; an icon of style; a woman of piety and devotion; and a friend and associate of the good and the great - she was first and foremost a classical vocalist of the highest rank, of unmatched gifts. She lives on in the musical history of India. Book is not only about M. S. Subbulakshmi but also about our India's music history.
It's a beautiful hardcover with pictures. 😍
By Desiraju Keshav
This book is a biography of M. S. Subbulakshmi. She was born into a humble devadasi home, her talent and dedication to her art made her one of India’s most critically acclaimed classical singers.
Even if we try to simply portray her, it can been done in many ways - as a musician who sought and achieved an all-India appeal; a philanthropist and supporter of noble causes; an icon of style; a woman of piety and devotion; and a friend and associate of the good and the great - she was first and foremost a classical vocalist of the highest rank, of unmatched gifts. She lives on in the musical history of India. Book is not only about M. S. Subbulakshmi but also about our India's music history.
It's a beautiful hardcover with pictures. 😍
March 17, 2021
The book "Of gifted voice" by Keshav Desiraju is the biography of the legend, M S Subbulakshmi. She was the first ever musician to receive India's highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna. She is well known for her magical voice and she definitely has a prominent place in Indian Carnatic music.
This book portrays the life story of M S Subbulakshmi and this book gives the readers a clear idea about her life, childhood, family, friends, music, achievements, etc. She was a wonderful musician and a wonderful human being. Also, this book is all about music and therefore this would be a perfect read for music lovers.
Another interesting thing about the book is that it covers the amazing history of Indian classical music in a detailed way and also, the book begins with the detailed history and origin of Carnatic music in India. There are so many amazing photographs in this book that portrays the incredible life journey of M S Subbulakshmi.
Overall it was a very interesting read and therefore I would recommend this book to everyone who loves music and also to everyone who is a fan of M S Subbulakshmi.
This book portrays the life story of M S Subbulakshmi and this book gives the readers a clear idea about her life, childhood, family, friends, music, achievements, etc. She was a wonderful musician and a wonderful human being. Also, this book is all about music and therefore this would be a perfect read for music lovers.
Another interesting thing about the book is that it covers the amazing history of Indian classical music in a detailed way and also, the book begins with the detailed history and origin of Carnatic music in India. There are so many amazing photographs in this book that portrays the incredible life journey of M S Subbulakshmi.
Overall it was a very interesting read and therefore I would recommend this book to everyone who loves music and also to everyone who is a fan of M S Subbulakshmi.
March 24, 2021
Genre: Biography/ Music. #readwithharpercollins
💚
.
.
OF GIFTED VOICE- the life and art of M.S. Subbulakshmi
by
Keshav Desiraju.
.
This is 500 page hardcover..and 311 pages is content/ matter & rest is the "NOTES 📝 " section. It means almost 40% of the book contains references & details etc. 15 chapters with a few leafs full of colorful photographs. The book has been aesthetically done.
.
The jacket is dominated by the colour black & once you remove the dust jacket, the naked book is a beautiful, pristine white with gold embossed lettering on the spine..the grace & elegance stole my heart.
.
M.S. Subbulakshmi was a well- known and celebrated public personality. She was a classical vocalist ofthe highest rank, with a gifted voice. A powerful voice which shone briefly in films and then surrendered itself to devotional worship and to the cause of the nation. She was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the 2nd artiste after Satyajit Ray, and the 1st performing artists to be honored so.
.
The book on the basis of years of primary research & with secondary data, encompasses the life of M. S. Subbulakshmi, right from the beginning till the very end, in great detail. Not only as a classical vocalist, the biography studies & entails details of different facets of her life..as a philanthropist, a style icon, a devoted human, as a friend and a human being.
.
Carnatic music, plays throughout the biography- the life history of the artiste..in the background. This book is different from the others talking about the vocalist/ the performer, since it explores different facets of M. S. Subbulakshmi & not only one. The book also throws light on the world, the stage, the place of women w.r.t. music, concerts & performances.
.
A detailed, immersive read for a fan of classical music 🎶.
.
.
"To even think of peeking into the tragedies lurking behind the extraordinary life, personality and music of an artiste as celebrated and revered as M.S. Subbulakshmi would take immense courage...The author has achieved an almost impossible task"..
SHUBHA MUDGAL, musician.
.
.
#noorthebookwormreviews
💚
.
.
OF GIFTED VOICE- the life and art of M.S. Subbulakshmi
by
Keshav Desiraju.
.
This is 500 page hardcover..and 311 pages is content/ matter & rest is the "NOTES 📝 " section. It means almost 40% of the book contains references & details etc. 15 chapters with a few leafs full of colorful photographs. The book has been aesthetically done.
.
The jacket is dominated by the colour black & once you remove the dust jacket, the naked book is a beautiful, pristine white with gold embossed lettering on the spine..the grace & elegance stole my heart.
.
M.S. Subbulakshmi was a well- known and celebrated public personality. She was a classical vocalist ofthe highest rank, with a gifted voice. A powerful voice which shone briefly in films and then surrendered itself to devotional worship and to the cause of the nation. She was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the 2nd artiste after Satyajit Ray, and the 1st performing artists to be honored so.
.
The book on the basis of years of primary research & with secondary data, encompasses the life of M. S. Subbulakshmi, right from the beginning till the very end, in great detail. Not only as a classical vocalist, the biography studies & entails details of different facets of her life..as a philanthropist, a style icon, a devoted human, as a friend and a human being.
.
Carnatic music, plays throughout the biography- the life history of the artiste..in the background. This book is different from the others talking about the vocalist/ the performer, since it explores different facets of M. S. Subbulakshmi & not only one. The book also throws light on the world, the stage, the place of women w.r.t. music, concerts & performances.
.
A detailed, immersive read for a fan of classical music 🎶.
.
.
"To even think of peeking into the tragedies lurking behind the extraordinary life, personality and music of an artiste as celebrated and revered as M.S. Subbulakshmi would take immense courage...The author has achieved an almost impossible task"..
SHUBHA MUDGAL, musician.
.
.
#noorthebookwormreviews
March 18, 2021
"Of Gifted Voice" narrates the journey of a simple girl from Madurai who became a global sensation. With the first chapter, titled "Sangita Vadya Vinodini", solely dedicated to the history and evolution of Carnatic system and Classical music the book pans out to be detailed and in turn very informative.
Each chapter is titled based on the chronological events that took place in the life of Bharat Ratna Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi. Just below the title are lines from various ragas which enhances the reading experience for me. If you hail from the southern part of India or love Classical Music, I am confident that "M.S Subbulakshmi" is a name you are well aware of. But since I don't fall in these categories, I decided to pick up this book and I must say I am not disappointed at all. I got to learn so many new things and above all learn about the first and foremost a classical vocalist of the highest rank with unmatched gifts who will continue to rule the musical history of India.
The Author has taken a formal, historical and informative approach to pen down this biography.The rare pictures added another dimension to an already great biography. The notes, references, and appendix at the end of the book shows the extensive research and hard work that went into the book.
The author has explained the intertwined nature of the caste system and music. The brutal facts and harsh scenarios made me tear up. The era in which M S Amma was born was not ideal for a woman musician to work hard and try to improve her skills and art. She is one of the reasons why people nowadays appreciate Carnatic music -she brought it to the mainstream. The book is not limited to events of her life but also focuses on lives of other contemporary musicians and singers.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. Really amazed and honestly it is too much information to process (I am trying to remember as much as possible). If you want to know more about the Queen of Music or learn about Carnatic Music do check out this book.
March 18, 2021
"Of Gifted Voice" narrates the journey of a simple girl from Madurai who became a global sensation. With the first chapter, titled "Sangita Vadya Vinodini", solely dedicated to the history and evolution of Carnatic system and Classical music the book pans out to be detailed and in turn very informative.
Each chapter is titled based on the chronological events that took place in the life of Bharat Ratna Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi. Just below the title are lines from various ragas which enhances the reading experience for me. If you hail from the southern part of India or love Classical Music, I am confident that "M.S Subbulakshmi" is a name you are well aware of. But since I don't fall in these categories, I decided to pick up this book and I must say I am not disappointed at all. I got to learn so many new things and above all learn about the first and foremost a classical vocalist of the highest rank with unmatched gifts who will continue to rule the musical history of India.
The Author has taken a formal, historical and informative approach to pen down this biography.The rare pictures added another dimension to an already great biography. The notes, references, and appendix at the end of the book shows the extensive research and hard work that went into the book.
The author has explained the intertwined nature of the caste system and music. The brutal facts and harsh scenarios made me tear up. The era in which M S Amma was born was not ideal for a woman musician to work hard and try to improve her skills and art. She is one of the reasons why people nowadays appreciate Carnatic music -she brought it to the mainstream. The book is not limited to events of her life but also focuses on lives of other contemporary musicians and singers.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. Really amazed and honestly it is too much information to process (I am trying to remember as much as possible). If you want to know more about Queen of Music or learn about Carnatic Music do check out this book.
Each chapter is titled based on the chronological events that took place in the life of Bharat Ratna Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi. Just below the title are lines from various ragas which enhances the reading experience for me. If you hail from the southern part of India or love Classical Music, I am confident that "M.S Subbulakshmi" is a name you are well aware of. But since I don't fall in these categories, I decided to pick up this book and I must say I am not disappointed at all. I got to learn so many new things and above all learn about the first and foremost a classical vocalist of the highest rank with unmatched gifts who will continue to rule the musical history of India.
The Author has taken a formal, historical and informative approach to pen down this biography.The rare pictures added another dimension to an already great biography. The notes, references, and appendix at the end of the book shows the extensive research and hard work that went into the book.
The author has explained the intertwined nature of the caste system and music. The brutal facts and harsh scenarios made me tear up. The era in which M S Amma was born was not ideal for a woman musician to work hard and try to improve her skills and art. She is one of the reasons why people nowadays appreciate Carnatic music -she brought it to the mainstream. The book is not limited to events of her life but also focuses on lives of other contemporary musicians and singers.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. Really amazed and honestly it is too much information to process (I am trying to remember as much as possible). If you want to know more about Queen of Music or learn about Carnatic Music do check out this book.
February 28, 2021
A few basic things about M.S. Subbulakshmi -
M.S. Subbulakshmi was an Legendary Indian Carnatic Singer born on 16th September 1916 in Madurai, Tami Nadu in a humble devdasi home. She was daughter of gifted vocalist Shanmukhavadivu.
She grew in a home with rich musical atmosphere. She was the first musician to be honoured by the Bharat Ratna. She made her first public performance at the age of eleven. For over 50 years she was the face and voice of Carnatic music. She also made her debut in films in the year 1938 with movie Sevasadanam. She died on 11th December 2004
This book is around 500 pages out of which 300 pages are filled with the story and the rest 200 are Notes, Glosary and Appendix. To be honest I had no idea about her but when I saw the book something in it attracted me and i decided to read it.
OF GIFTED VOICE talks about M.S.Subbulakshmi's life and the great musical tradition she belonged to. It talks a lot about her family and how and by whom she was taught music....How she ventured into the films. It also talks about how society regarded women and their situation in terms of music. It also describes a lot about the popular women musicians during her time. There is also mention of Gandhiji, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosale, Rukmani devi etc in the book.
It is slow paced but the story is worth reading. I love how it describes the music environment before and after independence time.
There is so much more to this book than I could write here. I feel that books like this dont need a review. They are unique in their own way. I was in awe after reading this.This book will appeal to those who like to read about music and biographies.
M.S. Subbulakshmi was an Legendary Indian Carnatic Singer born on 16th September 1916 in Madurai, Tami Nadu in a humble devdasi home. She was daughter of gifted vocalist Shanmukhavadivu.
She grew in a home with rich musical atmosphere. She was the first musician to be honoured by the Bharat Ratna. She made her first public performance at the age of eleven. For over 50 years she was the face and voice of Carnatic music. She also made her debut in films in the year 1938 with movie Sevasadanam. She died on 11th December 2004
This book is around 500 pages out of which 300 pages are filled with the story and the rest 200 are Notes, Glosary and Appendix. To be honest I had no idea about her but when I saw the book something in it attracted me and i decided to read it.
OF GIFTED VOICE talks about M.S.Subbulakshmi's life and the great musical tradition she belonged to. It talks a lot about her family and how and by whom she was taught music....How she ventured into the films. It also talks about how society regarded women and their situation in terms of music. It also describes a lot about the popular women musicians during her time. There is also mention of Gandhiji, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosale, Rukmani devi etc in the book.
It is slow paced but the story is worth reading. I love how it describes the music environment before and after independence time.
There is so much more to this book than I could write here. I feel that books like this dont need a review. They are unique in their own way. I was in awe after reading this.This book will appeal to those who like to read about music and biographies.
March 1, 2021
You have bodied ecstasy,
Who will find the singer in the song
It ever sift you from the seer?
Thus describes the poet Hoshang Merchant, comparing MS Subbulakshmi (fondly called MS) to saint-singer Mira.
MS kept a diary and wrote daily right from 1940 to her death. But according to Keshav Desraju, the biographer, nobody could manage to get access to her personal thoughts.
Keshav has compiled 'Of Gifted Voice:The life and art of MS Subbulakshmi' by reading and collecting information from libraries of London, Chennai, New Delhi and Harvard University.
Keshav, after writing a short introduction about bhakti poets and advent of Carnatic music in India, gives a detailed, almost microscopic account of MS's life, right from her birth in Madurai to her death. He borrows extensively from other biographies, quoting writers where ever necessary. Check this - Venkatachalam observes, 'For a girl of thirteen she had the will of a woman of forty, and for a gay, light-hearted child of same, she was a bit self-willed and stubborn.'
Although she first sang at a very young age in the home of a judge, 1920s was not a good time to be a woman musician trying to develop her art. Considering what MS achieved for herself, her journey can only be called stellar.
After Satyajit Ray, she was the second artiste to receive Bharat Ratna in 1998. She was the first performing artiste to receive this highest civilian honour. Upon receiving the award, she said- 'Every citizen of this great land is a ratna.'
Who will find the singer in the song
It ever sift you from the seer?
Thus describes the poet Hoshang Merchant, comparing MS Subbulakshmi (fondly called MS) to saint-singer Mira.
MS kept a diary and wrote daily right from 1940 to her death. But according to Keshav Desraju, the biographer, nobody could manage to get access to her personal thoughts.
Keshav has compiled 'Of Gifted Voice:The life and art of MS Subbulakshmi' by reading and collecting information from libraries of London, Chennai, New Delhi and Harvard University.
Keshav, after writing a short introduction about bhakti poets and advent of Carnatic music in India, gives a detailed, almost microscopic account of MS's life, right from her birth in Madurai to her death. He borrows extensively from other biographies, quoting writers where ever necessary. Check this - Venkatachalam observes, 'For a girl of thirteen she had the will of a woman of forty, and for a gay, light-hearted child of same, she was a bit self-willed and stubborn.'
Although she first sang at a very young age in the home of a judge, 1920s was not a good time to be a woman musician trying to develop her art. Considering what MS achieved for herself, her journey can only be called stellar.
After Satyajit Ray, she was the second artiste to receive Bharat Ratna in 1998. She was the first performing artiste to receive this highest civilian honour. Upon receiving the award, she said- 'Every citizen of this great land is a ratna.'
February 27, 2021
"My greatest fear is giving performances. I feel I am responsible for the audience but I am also scared of them."
For me, these lines hold so many insights about the relationship M.S.Subbulakshmi had with music and her audience.
Being the first musician to be awarded the Bharat Ratna and Ramon Magsaysay Award, M.S.Subbulakshmi's music has touched hearts and made Carnatic music a part of the mainstream.
"Of Gifted Voices" by Desiraju Keshav is an attempt on the part of the author to give us a little peek into the life of the singer, the person she was behind the singing persona. The book takes into account her journey through the field of music -her style, her presence in front of her audience, her brush with the film industry, her contributions to the field of Carnatic music and much more.
I personally believe that the author has done a commendable job in compiling this book. The amount of research and efforts on the author's part is indeed evident in the way the entire story has been put together. I especially enjoyed the narrative style of the author.
I really feel like this is a must-read for every reader out there who have any interest in music and its evolution through the times, focusing a bit more on the impact women singers had in the music industry.
For me, these lines hold so many insights about the relationship M.S.Subbulakshmi had with music and her audience.
Being the first musician to be awarded the Bharat Ratna and Ramon Magsaysay Award, M.S.Subbulakshmi's music has touched hearts and made Carnatic music a part of the mainstream.
"Of Gifted Voices" by Desiraju Keshav is an attempt on the part of the author to give us a little peek into the life of the singer, the person she was behind the singing persona. The book takes into account her journey through the field of music -her style, her presence in front of her audience, her brush with the film industry, her contributions to the field of Carnatic music and much more.
I personally believe that the author has done a commendable job in compiling this book. The amount of research and efforts on the author's part is indeed evident in the way the entire story has been put together. I especially enjoyed the narrative style of the author.
I really feel like this is a must-read for every reader out there who have any interest in music and its evolution through the times, focusing a bit more on the impact women singers had in the music industry.
October 13, 2022
When I'm reviewing a Biography, I'm always in a quandary as to whether It's the subject of the Biography or the quality of the writing that I'm talking about. This is one case where both are excellent. M.S. Subbulakshmi is indeed the epitome of all that is good in music and Desiraju has portrayed her as such. Desiraju has chosen his quotes well as when he quotes Pattammal, "If we surrender ourselves unconditionally to art, Sarasvati will reward us beyond measure." Since I'm all in praise of the book why did I not give it a Five star rating? Well, for me personally it was great since I'm familiar with the songs and ragas he mentions; however, I would say perhaps some more explanation is called for to make the book intelligible to non Carnatic music listeners. All in all a very erudite presentation and let's not forget the QR codes which give us some kritis to listen to. This is one book I would like to have in my personal library.
March 4, 2021
As every Malayali I remember M S Subbulakshmi as the singer of Venkateswara Suprabhatam which is like a wakeup call for those who live near temples. The book is focused on the life of M S Subbulakshmi and the Carnatic music tradition.
She was the first musician to get bharat ratna award. She made a great effort to bring Carnatic music to the main stream. I was surprised to read about her involvement in filim industry. It was a part most of us did not know. The book describes about the evolution of south indian music at that time.It also describes about other musicians who lived in her timeline. Author had done a commendable job in reasearching and compiling the book. I really loved the slow paced narration style
She was the first musician to get bharat ratna award. She made a great effort to bring Carnatic music to the main stream. I was surprised to read about her involvement in filim industry. It was a part most of us did not know. The book describes about the evolution of south indian music at that time.It also describes about other musicians who lived in her timeline. Author had done a commendable job in reasearching and compiling the book. I really loved the slow paced narration style
April 10, 2021
The book "OF GIFTED VOICE: The Life and Art of M.S. Subbulakshmi", penned by Keshav Desiraju. This is the biography of the legend, M S Subbulakshmi. The story is all about music tradition. The narration is quite slow but time worth.
The book shows the life story of M. S. Subbulakshmi and the Carnatic music tradition. It also describes about other musicians who lived in her timeline. The book also covers the history of Indian classical music in a detailed way.
Overall it was an interesting read. Therefore I definitely recommend this book to those people who loves music.
The book shows the life story of M. S. Subbulakshmi and the Carnatic music tradition. It also describes about other musicians who lived in her timeline. The book also covers the history of Indian classical music in a detailed way.
Overall it was an interesting read. Therefore I definitely recommend this book to those people who loves music.
March 22, 2021
Of Gifted voice: The life and art of M.S. Subbulakshmi by Keshav Desiraju 📚
Of Gifted Voice is an ode to the advent of Carnatic music and M.S. Subbulakshmi. It not only talks about her life but also about the history of music in our nation. A huge applause to the author for the tremendous amount of research he has done to produce this masterpiece. He starts off with who performed music and why. He talks extensively about the caste system intertwined with musical performances, especially about Devadasis.
The birth of Subbulakshmi only occurs 35 pages into the book. The first chaper was solely about the history of music. The writing style is formal and historical. The tone of the book is a bit dry for the common readers. I felt the narration and writing style could have been more informal so that it catches the eye of the masses. There was extensive description on certain things that just went over my head.
I loved all the beautiful pictures present in the book. They said a story of their own. The rise of M.S from Madurai to a global phenomenon was explained so beautifully in the book. The author also talked about the shady aspects of her life and didn't only praise her works. It was neutral narration which was much appreciated. There were lot of technology jargon in the book and it will be appreciated by music connoisseur. Of the 500 pages of the book, the last 200 pages was solely dedicated to references, notes, appendix and this shows the level of research done by the author.
I'd recommend this book to all music lovers.
Of Gifted Voice is an ode to the advent of Carnatic music and M.S. Subbulakshmi. It not only talks about her life but also about the history of music in our nation. A huge applause to the author for the tremendous amount of research he has done to produce this masterpiece. He starts off with who performed music and why. He talks extensively about the caste system intertwined with musical performances, especially about Devadasis.
The birth of Subbulakshmi only occurs 35 pages into the book. The first chaper was solely about the history of music. The writing style is formal and historical. The tone of the book is a bit dry for the common readers. I felt the narration and writing style could have been more informal so that it catches the eye of the masses. There was extensive description on certain things that just went over my head.
I loved all the beautiful pictures present in the book. They said a story of their own. The rise of M.S from Madurai to a global phenomenon was explained so beautifully in the book. The author also talked about the shady aspects of her life and didn't only praise her works. It was neutral narration which was much appreciated. There were lot of technology jargon in the book and it will be appreciated by music connoisseur. Of the 500 pages of the book, the last 200 pages was solely dedicated to references, notes, appendix and this shows the level of research done by the author.
I'd recommend this book to all music lovers.
May 6, 2021
I faintly remember from my school where we read about MS Subbulakshmi - It was an impressive, brief chapter about the singer.
OF GIFTED VOICE: The Life and Art of M.S. Subbulakshmi is like an extension to it. The book begins with a description of musical history and provides in-depth detail about how music has evolved across India. If you are interested and eager to know the evolution of Carnatic music and wish to familiarize yourself with the musical world, then this one has to be in your collection. The initial chapters of the book are more about the history of music where you will come across many musical terminologies which also indicates that thorough research is done on the topic. In the later chapter, the book talks about MS, her family, her siblings, achievements, and her life back in the time.
This biography also takes a deep dive into the issue of how cast influenced the kind of music played, talks about woman singers, and despite all that existed her extraordinary contribution in the field.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had this to say about M.S. Subbulakshmi- "Who am I, a mere Prime Minister before a Queen, a Queen of Music".
Keshav Desiraju has keenly and tried his best to capture the moments of MS Subbulakshmi in his work. This book will be a delight for every reader as it has so much to present in every sense.
OF GIFTED VOICE: The Life and Art of M.S. Subbulakshmi is like an extension to it. The book begins with a description of musical history and provides in-depth detail about how music has evolved across India. If you are interested and eager to know the evolution of Carnatic music and wish to familiarize yourself with the musical world, then this one has to be in your collection. The initial chapters of the book are more about the history of music where you will come across many musical terminologies which also indicates that thorough research is done on the topic. In the later chapter, the book talks about MS, her family, her siblings, achievements, and her life back in the time.
This biography also takes a deep dive into the issue of how cast influenced the kind of music played, talks about woman singers, and despite all that existed her extraordinary contribution in the field.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had this to say about M.S. Subbulakshmi- "Who am I, a mere Prime Minister before a Queen, a Queen of Music".
Keshav Desiraju has keenly and tried his best to capture the moments of MS Subbulakshmi in his work. This book will be a delight for every reader as it has so much to present in every sense.
July 14, 2023
This book has a well-researched scholarly tone and I got a hang of it few chapters in. Also, the book is interspersed with interesting anecdotes. Since MS Subbulakshmi kept her personal life private, the book attempts to know her from her contemporaries, reviews, and her music. Her life is history indeed and this book transports you in time. Also, it motivates to listen more of her.
However, the tone deprives it of being read as leisure. It is too detailed and jargon-heavy that I was unable to enjoy it as a story. There were so many paragraphs which only contain list of names, names of artists, names of songs etc. I was forced to skim.
It is not for a beginner or amateur who knows little about MS Subbulakshmi and Carnatic Music. For the learned, this would be an absolute delight.
MS Subbulakshmi's life is not boring at all! I was amazed about the role of luck. How Rajam Puspavanam could have a grand career if her son had not died, or how T Balasaraswathi was discriminated against because she took pride in her devadasi roots. At one point author says that it depended on the man you got as husband which would dictate the rest of your career. And Subbulakshmi was lucky to cut off devadasi roots and get a brahmin tag by marrying Sadasivam, who saw her as a project. The book reinforces repeatedly that she was a puppet in hands of her husband, who would even decide for her to mourn the death of a loved one or not.
Also, A gross mistake I came across is that it calls Hanuman Chalisa a Bhojpuri text (pg 249) and also provides some reference to it. It's in Awadhi guys.
I bow to the creative and beloved MS Subbulakshmi
However, the tone deprives it of being read as leisure. It is too detailed and jargon-heavy that I was unable to enjoy it as a story. There were so many paragraphs which only contain list of names, names of artists, names of songs etc. I was forced to skim.
It is not for a beginner or amateur who knows little about MS Subbulakshmi and Carnatic Music. For the learned, this would be an absolute delight.
MS Subbulakshmi's life is not boring at all! I was amazed about the role of luck. How Rajam Puspavanam could have a grand career if her son had not died, or how T Balasaraswathi was discriminated against because she took pride in her devadasi roots. At one point author says that it depended on the man you got as husband which would dictate the rest of your career. And Subbulakshmi was lucky to cut off devadasi roots and get a brahmin tag by marrying Sadasivam, who saw her as a project. The book reinforces repeatedly that she was a puppet in hands of her husband, who would even decide for her to mourn the death of a loved one or not.
Also, A gross mistake I came across is that it calls Hanuman Chalisa a Bhojpuri text (pg 249) and also provides some reference to it. It's in Awadhi guys.
I bow to the creative and beloved MS Subbulakshmi
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