A comprehensive assessment of the greatness of Sri Thyagaraja.

The analytical study of the poetic lyrics of the songs pro- vides a fascinating insight into his music.

The philosophical depth and the message of the Upanishads and epics incorporated in Sri Thyagaraja's songs have been highlighted.

The exposition of some of the songs by the author, enlivens the music lore of Sri Thyagaraja.

The sentiments expressed in the prefaces, highlight the deterioration in the present day standard of Carnatic music performances.

The comments are aimed at the preservation and improvement of Carnatic music.

The write-ups present the state of Carnatic music handled by veterans of the past and its present status. The nearly one hundred songs included in this volume, gives an idea of the greatness of the comprehensive Saint composer ..

Although Sri Thyagaraja was first and foremost a music Composer and a creator of new expressions and forms in music, the fact that he was a competent poet and a master of felicitous expression has added great charm to his compositions and made them virtually 'poems set to music.' The beauty of the language to which music is set has a great deal to do with the permanency and popularity of the music. The diction of vaggeyakara, however, differs from that of poet because the diction most suited for music has to be euphorious and composed of soft and flowing words. The songs of Sri Thyagaraja are unrivalled in this respect.

SVK is not only a musicologist and music critic but also a literateur who has soaked himself in the poetical and philosophical beauties of the kritis of Sri Thyagaraja. His series in the Hindu was entitled "Know Your Thyagaraja" and was avidly read by musicians and music lovers over the years. SVK has his own way of interpreting Sri Thyagaraja in simple English, driving home his points with clarity and assurance.