Accompaniments in Bharatha Natyam

Subashini PATHMANATHAN

Evolution of instruments

* Veena
* Clarinet
* Violin
* Cymbal

In any Bharatha Natyam recital the dance is a central piece. The vocal rendering of songs to the accompaniment of selected musical instruments and nattuwangam (the function of which is to coordinate the thala, laya and the music) constitutes the accompaniments. These artistes are commonly called sidemen. In the sathir period the dancers themselves sang, but today the vocalist is an entirely different person.

The dancer doesn’t normally sing. Just as in modern cinema the actors do not sing, but employ playback singers. The ancient Tamils used a variety of musical instruments, as can be gathered from sculptures, paintings, stone inscriptions and Tamil literature.

In ancient times the instruments used for dance were collectively called Geethangam, and the instruments used for nirtham (steps) were called Nirthankam. These are evidenced in various literacy sources.

Some string instruments used in ancient times have fallen into disuse due to various practical difficulties. For example the Yarl was widely used by ancient Tamils. But today it is never used. Veena has been accepted as a suitable instrument. The pre-eminent position occupied by Veena in dance recitals is evidenced by temple tower sculptures, decorated walls and by the general sculptures.

Gifts made by the kings to the Veena players are called as Veena lands even to this day. Veena is not only used as an accompaniment, but is used to bring out certain human emotions. However Veena does not enjoy a pre-eminent position in Bharatha Natyam. Its use is dictated by the likes and dislikes and by the preferences of the individual dancers.

Today the violin has come to occupy an important place as a string instrument in dance recitals. Violin is basically a western instrument, which was introduced to carnatic music repeatedly by Vadivelu one of the Thanjore Qurtette.

Violin is also used to bring out some human emotions in dance vividly and dance drama. Before the beginning of a song, the violin is used to play the opening bars or the relevant raga of the song. This gives the cue to dancer and other accompaniments. Other string instrument used in dance is Thambura (also called Thampur). This is mainly used to set and maintain the suruthi continuously. It is either used alone, or with the combination of suruthi box, essentially to maintain the tonal quality.

A common leather instrument used in Bharatha Natyam is miruthagam. It helps keep the thala and coordinate the basic thala (rhythm) between music and dance.

Among the other uses of Miruthangam are to accompany the sollukadu nattuvangam, or with pure nirtha dance movements, or to keep the time with the thandava poses, or to give finishing touch (thirmanams).

Apart from miruthagam another thala instrument is the Ghatam. Tonal quality of Ghatam is sharp. And its use is determined by the preferences of the individual dancers. A wind instrument often used in Bharatha Natyam is the flute. It is preferred for its sweet melody.

Like violin, the flute is also used to play the opening bars of the song. Another the wind instrument is the Harmonium. But its use is gradually declining.

In sathir dancers also used Nathaswarm, another wind instrument. But it is not commonly used in Bharatha Natyam today.

Another wind instrument used in Bharatha Natyam is Clarinet.

Clarinet is used to bring out certain ragas like Punakavaralie. An indispensable instrument is the Cymbals (hand metal thala) wielded by the nattuwanar who conducts the recitals.

The cymbals set the base for the entire thala structure and govern the conduct of the dance recital. Another instrument used in Bharatha Natyam is the Moorchang. Vocalist plays the key role as it is he or she who sets the tone for the recital.

However departing from the tradition, today’s so-called Bharatha Natyam artistes use a medley of instruments, eastern and western. The result is cacophony.

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