Veena II

Born into a family whose musical mastery extends to seven generations, Lakshmi was trained and nurtured in Karnatic music by her father, Kalyanakrishna Bhagavathar, a well-known vocal musician and veena artist. Lakshmi has won many awards, including the President of India award for Veena, and has performed extensively in India, Southeast Asia, Canada, USA, UK, Australia and South Africa.

The veena is the chief stringed instrument of South India, Its origins are ancient; the sitar was derived from it. Music is played not only by plucking its four main strings, but also by pulling them sideways across the frets to produce microtonal subtleties. Three side strings sound the tonic and emphasize the rhythm. There are twenty-four frets altogether.

“Ms. Ranganathan presented her talent vividly in a beautifully rendered improvisation on Ragas Keerwani, Kaphi and Desh. Each of her compositions were crisp and precise.”

– Times of India
“Lakshmi’s Alapanas (improvisation on modes) were delectable… in tenor and tone. She regaled the lovers of Karnatic music (music of south India) with her classical brilliance, intense involvement and excellent instrumental control.”

– The Hindu

THYAGARAJA

1. Niravatisukadha

THYAGARAJA

2. Sobilu Saptaswara

3. Pancha, Gana Raga Thanam

PATNAM SUBRAMANI IYER

4. Raguvamsa Sudha

OOTHUKADU VENKATASUBBA

5. Shloka

PURANDARA DHASAR

6. Krishna Nee Begane

MYSORE SESHANN

7. Thillana