T.Muktha
Encyclopedia
Thanjavur Muktha also spelt Mukta (1914–2007) was one of the foremost representatives of the Veena Dhanammal
school of Carnatic Music
. She along with her elder sister T. Brinda
formed one of the first women duo singers.
Muktha had much of her initial training from her mother Kamakshi. This training was in the Veena Dhanammal
style, a style of Carnatic Music
known for its unhurried, alluring movements, as also for its use of intricate gamaka
s (graces) in the handling of raga
s (modes). Additionally, Muktha (along with Brinda) trained for a substantial length of time under Kanchipuram Naina Pillai, whose style of music was marked by agility and robustness in laya (rhythm). After her training under Naina Pillai, Muktha learnt from her aunt Lakshmiratnam. The legendary Veena Dhanammal
, who was Muktha's grandmother, herself taught her some compositions. She gave her first performance at the age of eight. She was the last disciple of Veena Dhanammal and her last concert was in Cleveland in 2003.
Muktha was a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
in 1973.
Veena Dhanammal
Veenai Dhanammal was a highly accomplished Carnatic musician, and the torchbearer of the school of Carnatic music that goes by her name. She was both a vocalist and a performer on the veena...
school of Carnatic Music
Carnatic music
Carnatic music is a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, with its area roughly confined to four modern states of India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu...
. She along with her elder sister T. Brinda
T. Brinda
Thanjavur Brinda was one of the representatives of the Veenai Dhanammal school of Carnatic Music. She was primarily a vocalist, although she also played the Veenai. She is affectionately referred to as 'Brindamma', by her fans....
formed one of the first women duo singers.
Muktha had much of her initial training from her mother Kamakshi. This training was in the Veena Dhanammal
Veena Dhanammal
Veenai Dhanammal was a highly accomplished Carnatic musician, and the torchbearer of the school of Carnatic music that goes by her name. She was both a vocalist and a performer on the veena...
style, a style of Carnatic Music
Carnatic music
Carnatic music is a system of music commonly associated with the southern part of the Indian subcontinent, with its area roughly confined to four modern states of India: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu...
known for its unhurried, alluring movements, as also for its use of intricate gamaka
Gamaka
Gamaka also known as Kaavya Vaachana is a unique form of storytelling by singing. This originated in Karnataka, India. One person reads a stanza of a poem with highest emphasis on meaning, applying suitable raga or a Dhaati usually matching the emotion of the poem. Another person then explains...
s (graces) in the handling of raga
Raga
A raga is one of the melodic modes used in Indian classical music.It is a series of five or more musical notes upon which a melody is made...
s (modes). Additionally, Muktha (along with Brinda) trained for a substantial length of time under Kanchipuram Naina Pillai, whose style of music was marked by agility and robustness in laya (rhythm). After her training under Naina Pillai, Muktha learnt from her aunt Lakshmiratnam. The legendary Veena Dhanammal
Veena Dhanammal
Veenai Dhanammal was a highly accomplished Carnatic musician, and the torchbearer of the school of Carnatic music that goes by her name. She was both a vocalist and a performer on the veena...
, who was Muktha's grandmother, herself taught her some compositions. She gave her first performance at the age of eight. She was the last disciple of Veena Dhanammal and her last concert was in Cleveland in 2003.
Muktha was a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar is an award given by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India's National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama. It is the highest Indian recognition given to practicing artists. The award consists since 2003 of Rs. 50,000, a citation, an angavastram , and a tamrapatra...
in 1973.