“The shining truth is that the core of my being is music.” This is the inspirational message of Sangeetham, which means “music” in the classical Indian language Sanskrit. Shruthi Rajasekar is inspired by the Carnatic tradition and Western choral idiom, and her musical language moves fluidly between melodically-driven phrases and rich harmonies. Reflective and celebratory, Sangeetham is a powerful ode to the vulnerability and strength we experience in music.

An audio guide that helps with pronunciation of the text and gives context for the Carnatic musical tradition is included with your purchase.

Composer’s Notes

I’ve always believed that it takes tremendous courage to sing— to me, it is the most raw and exposed way of making music. My high school directors taught us to wholeheartedly embrace this vulnerability; they recognized it as a source of incredible strength. In searching for a text that embodies this message, I approached one of India’s most eminent musicologists, Dr. Bala Meenakshi Sundaram (fondly known to many as BMS Mama). He penned the entire Sanskrit poem in a single inspired moment. Because of its international path to conception, Sangeetham, which means “music” in Sanskrit, uses elements from both the Western classical and Carnatic (South Indian classical) traditions, thus celebrating the power of the voice in lifting us up and bringing us together.
– Shruthi Rajasekar

Text

bAloham mAthru bhakthOham
sangeetha kalayAm preethOham
shrOthOham athi balaheenam
samastha guru kripa purnOham
nyAthOham parashrama vAnOham
jeethOham kOvida gAnoham
neythOham lOka prasidhOham
mama balasyamUlam sangeetham

—Dr. B. M. Sundaram

Translation:
I am a young man with high regard for my mother
who worships the art of music.
Though the path is long and hard,
I have the blessings of my gurus
to persevere and succeed
such that my music is known to all.

The shining truth is that
the core of my being is music.
—translated by Nirmala Rajasekar

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