Tanjavur Natyam Art
By Jeetendra Hirschfeld, Bharatanatyam Artist, Researcher, Writer, Educator
TANJAVUR QUARTET VARNAMS
For Bharatanatyam practitioners everywhere, Tanjavur is synonymous with the magnificent 11th-century Brihadisvara temple and the nattuvans of the 19th-century, the Tanjore Quartet.
The varnams are breathtaking dance songs and are a challenge for the dancer but equally so for the musicians of the dance troupe. The naayika bhava and sringara rasa are the primary focus of the Tanjore Quartet varnams, explored through beautifully human storylines of desire: flawed but imperfect to a perfect degree. The subject of desire–the naayika (courtesan), and the object of her desire–the naayaka (rajah or deity), bring about irresistible chemistry that overflows with sringara.
She expresses her anguish and longing through the different shades of unrequited desire. The naayika bhava and sringara rasa are the primary focus of the Tanjore Quartet varnams, explored through beautifully human storylines of desire: flawed but imperfect to a perfect degree.
ARTICLES:
Songbook of the Tanjore Quartet: Varnams as Art of Erotica , 2008
Article: Varnams as Art of Erotica
Chennai, 2008
Tanjavur Natyam: The Courtesan, 2009
Essay: The Courtesan, Lost In Transition, Lost in Translation
Amsterdam, 2009
Songbook of the Tanjore Quartet: Svarajathi ē mandayānarā (huseni)
Article: Tanjavur Quartet Art
Amsterdam, 2009
GET IN TOUCH
Side Collaborations, Music & Lyrics, or talks worldwide about Tanjavur Quartet Art. If you want to chat don’t hesitate in reaching out.
WRITING:
Tanjore Gnyana’s Pas Seul at Royapuram
Article: Tanjore Gnyana’s Pas Seul at Royapuram,
Tanjore Quartet Art: Varnam “Nee Saati Dora”
Article: Varnam ”Nee Saati Dora” in the durbar of Rajasree Serfoji, 2009
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