Different systems have diverse approaches to music and varied yardsticks for measuring the results. That some of these are common to many systems is a mere coincidence. An attempt has been made here to draw the reader’s attention to certain essential features in a typical Carnatic concert. There is enough scope in many areas for the listener to contribute to its greater success too.
Volume : Obviously, the overall volume should not be too loud or too soft, though change in its intensity is occasionally used as a technique by artistes. In most concerts, usually, the volume of the lead artiste is more than that of the rest. The volume of the percussion section is typically balanced so as not to drown the melody. In the event that listeners do not find the volume adequate, or if they find it too noisy, they would do well to ensure that this is brought to the attention of the sound engineer or the artistes at an appropriate time.
Tonal Quality & Timbre: With the introduction of mikes and other electronic media, this assumes a special significance. As far as possible, even if the instruments are amplified volume-wise, there should be as minimal a change as possible with respect to its timbre. For example, the veena, which has a stronger bass, should not come through with a very sharp tone. This is another area where listeners can be active in ensuring quality.
Purity of Notes : Notes are always measured against the tonic note (Sa) and the fifth perfect (Pa), constantly droned by the tanpura. In Carnatic music, which relies on types of ornamentation like oscillation, the place value of notes assumes significance, as against its face value. The same notes are fractionally sharpened or flattened depending on circumstances, but keeping in sight the overall aesthetics.
Clarity : Clarity, it is said, is the hallmark of class. The audience can very well perceive clarity or its absence in the output. The extent of clarity generally depends on the musicians’ awareness of every note of a phrase, not to mention clarity of thought. Sometimes, lack of clarity in concerts can be due to the malfunctioning of the amplification system. It would be desirable for listeners to take the initiative and check if it can be rectified, with minor alterations to volume and tone.
Conviction : In order to be successful, conviction is one of the most important things an artiste must possess. However talented an artiste, the concert may never come off if he or she sounds and seems unconvincing. Conviction is something an artiste either possesses naturally, or builds up with guidance from masters.
Projection of Compositions : Since Carnatic music has such a lovely treasure of compositions, listeners look forward to these during concerts. The concert effect improves substantially with crisp and authentic renditions of masterpieces of celebrated composers, in well-known and attractive ragas. Conversely, if the renditions or the choice of the pieces are not up to the mark, the concert appeal may get diminished. Listeners sometimes influence the course of a Carnatic concert with requests to obliging artistes.
Virtuosity: It is no doubt true that the greater the command of the musician over range, tone, dynamics and speed, the more scintillating the concert. But it has to be backed by a capacity to control them, so as not to overdo anything. Again, this is a very easily perceivable factor.
Rhythmic Appeal : Several people, including those not familiar with the nuances of a system, would find pleasure and excitement in rhythm. The manner in which percussionists follow or add to the main artistes’ renditions, with well-timed strokes or forays into higher speeds in multiple gaits, is one of the main reasons for the popularity of Indian concerts across the world. However, if the percussive instruments get louder than the leader, the concert could get raucous. Again, the audience can play an active part in ensuring that the balance is maintained at desirable levels.
Musical Magnetism : A concert may have many of the above qualities, but without this sometimes-elusive factor, it may still fail to take off. Musical magnetism includes intensity, vitality, the artiste’s self-enjoyment, general communicative ability, and also body language and stage presence.
Team Effort : The very term, concert, implies teamwork. Support from accompanists on stage is most vital for the success of the concert. It is not realistic for listeners to expect accompanists to match the main artiste note for note. If the accompanists align their minds with the lead artiste’s temperament, and complement the same, the results are excellent. Of course, there are accompanists who go a step further and actually inspire the main artistes to surpass themselves.
These factors are usually present in the concerts of any high calibre performer. The person wouldn’t have attained eminence in the absence of such qualities ! So, the listener need not be in a suspicious or unstill frame of mind before or during a concert. Be seated, relax and enjoy. After all, music is what it does to you. Appreciation is as individualistic as artistry is.