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Introduction Raga Ratnam Yuva is a reality show aimed at identifying an extraordinarily gifted music prodigy in the world’s oldest and richest music tradition – Carnatic music . Songs from popular films are the staple of most music reality shows since they are easier to handle . TV channels generally steer clear of Carnatic music, for fear that they may find themselves all at sea. Amrita TV was the first to test the waters of classical music through Raga Ratnam Junior, a trail blazing competition that showcased raw, tender talent in the 10-15 age group. Launched in September 2007, it lasted for nine melody filled months , during which the musical proficiency of the contestants were put to test by different rounds of Carnatic music renditions ranging from Keerthanam, Swathi Thirunal, Thillana, Varnam to Pancharatnam and Kacheri. Its run-away success was an eye-opener to the high potential for classical music shows as well as to the number of carnatic music lovers in the State. Carnatic music has improvisations inbuilt into its very system. Music compositions of the ancient greats have 2 important elements – the words and the musical notes. The singer is expected not just to render the musical note in the correct way, but also to convey the meaning of the words which in turn depends on his understanding of the original language. Though the basic scale and raga phrases are adhered to, there will be elaborations of the lines and variations in the octaves in which the ragas are sung, depending on his interpretation. Allowing scope for free improvisation is the cornerstone of Carnatic music. Raga Ratnam Yuva’ has grasped this core factor of the Carnatic music tradition and incorporated it into its structure. The rounds are selected to give maximum elbow room for experimentation; the contestants can sing in any style ‘patantharam’ they wish, allowing the greatest innovation within the compass of the traditional format . Thus the show is truly ‘manodharma sangeetham’ that offers a rare forum for experimentation. Format Auditions were held in various centers all over South India in which all Carnatic music students were welcome to hum a few ragas . Music being an universal language, the participants were not eliminated on the basis of tongue, or state, but were screened by their mastery over the grammar and semantics of music. From the competitors who thronged the centers, 16 of those who sang their swaras at the right sruthi were chosen to be the contestants for ‘Raga Ratnam Yuva’. The real litmus test of their talent or skill will came in the several exacting rounds of the reality show that covers the entire range of Carnatic music tradition , when every aspect of their music tradition will be put to test. The vocal recitals of the participants will be minutely judged by a panel of three judges, well versed in the art and science of music as well as maestros of Carnatic music who will offer valuable tips to the contestants.Sometimes they will go on a musical pilgrimage to the memorial of past Carnatic supremos such as Chembai where they will conduct concerts in homage to them. The contestants will be sifted through the successive levels with eliminations at specific rounds to distil the best , until the top 3 make it to the Grand Finale.Importance of the Yuva- Bringing Youth Back Into The Classical Fold Carnatic music is the great classical music art form of India almost as old as the Vedas. Today barring a small group of die-hard fans of classical music who devotedly learn & practice it, the younger generation are being increasingly divorced from one of the greatest heritages of their culture. But in recent times there have been increasing attempts to democratize this time tested tradition ; to attract them back to the old classical ways of music. Raga Ratnam Yuva is Amrita TV’s contribution to this noble endeavor. Stringent auditions have gathered young Carnatic musicians of the highest caliber in South India to Raga Ratnam Yuva .Rigorous rounds and exacting standards of judgment will filter them through the intricacies of Carnatic Music to extract a modern Thyagaraja or Chemmangudi who are worthy of bearing the proud prefix the ‘Raga Ratnam Yuva’ pattom before their names. Launch
Prominent Round 1] Navavidha Bhakti Navarathri Keerthanangal 2] Malayalam Krithigal 3] Great Masters Round 4] Thrimoorthi Smrithigal
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