Maths is a very interesting subject. It is life's passion for some; a tolerable subject for some others. Yet, for some, it is a bitter pill to be endured! They can't help wondering why schooling cannot be sailed through without a compulsory tryst with numbers!
The moment we think of Carnatic Music, we are reminded of the countless ragas that calm even the most restless heart; the innumerable kritis which make a great listening experience. Where does Maths come in here?
Bharatanatyam brings to our mind its very many mudras, its varied abhinaya and elegant footwork sequences. Where does Maths come in here?
In this book,
Maths in Music and Dance, let us explore the deep connections that Mathematics has with the notes that flow into the ear and the breathtaking visuals that reach the eye.
Bharatanatyam Exponent, musicologist, researcher, choreographer, orator, author- these are but a few attributes of the multi-faceted personality Vidya Bhavani Suresh. Vidya began her formal training in Bharatanatyam under the eminent guru, V.P. Dhananjayan. She continued and completed her tutelage under the renowned guru K.J. Sarasa. After a continuous and strenuous learning experience of 12 years, Vidya had her Arangetram (first formal performance), at the age of 16 years. From then on, Vidya has been an active and innovative performer and researcher. Her performances have always stood apart for their profound research-based content and uniqueness. It has always been Vidya's attempt to take Bharatanatyam very close to the common viewer. Being equally alert to social problems, Vidya has also presented full-length thought-provoking programmes highlighting child labour, unemployment. women's problems, etc.
Vidya is also an accomplished Carnatic music singer, having undergone systematic training in the form. She continues to enrich her repertoire by continuing her association and training with her guru, the reputed Vidushi, A.P. Komala. Vidya's deep knowledge of Carnatic music has enabled her to specialise as a musicologist. Vidya has written more than 14 small books and 3 large and detailed tomes on Carnatic music, which are widely respected as authentic and authoritative books on the subject.
Vidya also sets the musical score for all her dance productions. She has conceptualised, set to tune and choreographed a collection of 50 items for Bharatanatyam from ancient Tamizh literature titled, Tamizh Illakiyamum Bharatamum. This collection includes respected Tamizh works like. Tirukkural. Paripaadal. Tirumurugatrupadai. Tiruppugazh, Meenakshiammai Pillai Tamizh, Nalavenba etc. This, she considers one of her most important contributions to Bharatanatyam since it brings out the best thoughts of our poets of yore, through one of the most powerful media of visual presentation, namely, Bharatanatyam.
Being an excellent public speaker as well, Vidya comperes her programmes very effectively making the audience understand and appreciate every aspect of the performance. Vidya also conducts lecture demonstrations and workshops on Indian Dance and Music for schools, colleges and corporates.
Vidya holds an M.A. in Folklore, from St.Xavier's College, Palayamkottai (Tirunelveli), the only college in the country offering this rare course then. She is also the recipient of the Research Fellowship in this discipline from the Department of Culture, Government of India. Vidya is a Fellow of The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (F.C.S.). Vidya also holds a Degree in General Law.
I chanced upon a book of quotations on music, where music was defined as many things.
So music is generally viewed as something highly emotional - as a balm, as an energiser, something that instantly triggers memories - well it is, in short, to do with the heart.This again brings us to the same point - dance too is an emotional activity.
While all these quotations are about dance and music in general, let us look at the specific styles of music and dance that we are discussing here, which are Carnatic Music and Bharatanatyam. If we think of Carnatic Music, it immediately reminds us of a heartfelt rendition of a Tyagaraja kriti. In Bharatanatyam, we instantly recall the vivid expression - Abhinaya - of a dancer while she emotes with involvement.
Amidst these heartfelt forms, where does maths, a logical, no-nonsense subject come in? How are they related? How can there be a significant influence of maths on dance or music to warrant a full-fledged book on the subject?
In this book, it is this connection that we are going to explore.
**Contents and Sample Pages**
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