‘Music Without Layam is NO music’.

MUSICAL EXCELLENCE OF MRIDANGAM.
By Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman, T. Ramasami and M.D. Naresh.

In English. Published by Academic Foundation, New Delhi. 2019. Pages 232. Price Rs. 1995.

The great mridangam maestro Sangita Kalanidhi Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman, in his recent book ‘Musical Excellence of Mridangam’, explores the rare fusion of the arts and science of an ancient south Indian instrument, the mridangam.

The book is a result of research in collaboration with T. Ramasami and M.D. Naresh, focussing on the scientific insights into the art of fabrication of the mridangam. A fusion of art and science, the book represents a synthesis of modernity and tradition through the tools of science.

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A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SOUTH INDIAN RHYTHM THROUGH KONNAKOL: Proven methods to learn South Indian Laya through Simple Exercises, Volume 1. By Mannarkoil Balaji.

In English. Published by the Author, Chennai, 2024. Pages 118.

A leading percussionist, Mannarkoil J. Balaji has come out with a book titled ‘A Practical Guide to South Indian Rhythm Through Konnakol: Proven methods to Learn South Indian Laya through Simple Exercises. An ideal learning resource, the book includes basic lessons, jatis, jaati trikala exercises, melodic phrases, and konnakol renditions.

Both the books have been autographed by the authors.

MYSORE K. JAGADISH