World's First VR360 Mridangam Solo | P.S. Phalgun | Carnatic Rhythm | Darbar VR360

#darbarfestival #VR360 | The mridangam has a rich history. Prototypes were used to accompany early Hindu religious ceremonies, and Sanskrit epics refer to it by name.
► Welcome to the Darbar VR 360 Festival. We’ve released over 50 immersive VR videos showcasing some of India’s finest artists performing in breathtaking natural landscapes, spanning Hindustani, Carnatic, Dhrupad, and percussion.

For the best experience use a VR headset with headphones. Experience being the sole ‘audience member’ right next to the musicians for your own private raga performance, enjoying the music amidst India’s natural world. For more info, including the full program, see www.darbar.org/video360

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Parupalli Subbaraya (P.S.) Phalgun is an experienced mridangam maestro, known for rhythmic dexterity and a deep knowledge of Carnatic theory. Hailing from a family of varied musicians, including vocalist Parupalli Ramakrishnaiah Pantulu, he learned percussion from V. Balaji and Radhakrishna Raju, and later from the latter's son M.L. Raju.

A long career has seen him win national All India Radio awards, tour over 20 countries, and teach thousands of students. He has also worked in theatre settings, including for a production honouring the lives of the great ‘vaggeyakaras’ (Carnatic lyricists). In 2015 he led the organisation of a tribute concert in memory of Mahadevu Lakshmi Narayana Raju, an esteemed mridangam guru, and is today a senior lecturer at the Government College of Music and Dance in Vijayawada.

He won the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s prestigious Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar award in recognition of his consistently high performance quality (Parupalli donated the entirety his prize money to a foundation created in memory of Raju, his late guru). He has worked with leading artists of the North such as sitarist Ustad Shahid Parvez, as well as various Carnatic stars, notably including a long association with venu flute master Shashank Subramanyam - also part of our VR 360 Festival.

Learn more at:
-https://www.darbar.org/artist/parupalli-s-phalgun/149

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His double-headed mridangam drum typically leads the rhythm section in a Carnatic group. Capable of a vast array of sounds, it anchors the music around it with booming bass thuds and a distinctive high-register bounce. Crafted from the wood of the jackfruit tree, it is also widely used to accompany bharatanatyam dance.

The instrument has a rich history. Prototypes were used to accompany early Hindu religious ceremonies, and Sanskrit epics such as the Ramayana refer to it by name, describing the mridang-like patter of breaking rainclouds. It is mythologised to have been played during Lord Shiva’s tandav dance of creation, sending primordial rhythms echoing throughout the heavens. Its sound anchors the instruments around it with booming bass thuds and a 'buzzing' high-register bounce.

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Recorded by Darbar in 2019, on location in West India:
-P.S. Phalgun (mridangam)

Technical team credit:
- Jagdeep Shah (DOP)
- Sandeep Virdee (location sound)
- Nirmal Singh (360 editor)
- Christoph Bracher (ambisonic sound dubbing)
- Munshi Chohan (runner)
- Shivaji Shirke (village surpanch)
- Sunita Khandu Gore (catering)
- Special thanks to Sherna Chatterjee & Mortimer Chatterjee

Darbar believes in the power of Indian classical arts to stir, thrill and inspire. Through shared experiences and digital connectivity we ensure that one of the world’s finest art forms reaches the widest possible audience. Founded in 2006, we deliver premium quality live events, music education, broadcasts and online engagement through promoting artistic innovation and creative technology. We are also committed to providing a platform for new talent from India and the UK.

All Rights Reserved ©2019 Darbar Arts Culture Heritage Trust

Видео World's First VR360 Mridangam Solo | P.S. Phalgun | Carnatic Rhythm | Darbar VR360 канала darbarfestival