Exploring Kannada Poetry and Song with Pallavi MD
Join me in exploring the soul of Kannada poetry through Bhavageethe and Sugama Sangeetha. Whether you want to sing along or dive into composition, these sessions are a space for us to learn, feel, and share.
Leading a Bhavageethe workshop for a group of enthusiastic learners. In these sessions, we sit together, discuss the nuances of poetry, and I guide the participants through the melodies of beloved Kannada songs.
A candid moment from a workshop at the Indian Music Experience Museum. It is always an enriching experience to meet a room full of Bhavageethe lovers and share our collective passion for this art form.
A group photo with the wonderful participants of my Bhavageethe workshop during the Jackfruit Festival. I always feel I take away more than I offer from their insights, energy, and love for poetry.
A clip from a special concert I performed for children with special needs at the Jackfruit Festival. I sang songs about the moon, rainbows, and little Krishna, choosing simple and evocative Bhavageethe that everyone could connect with.
On stage during a performance at the Jackfruit Festival. Accompanied by talented musicians on tabla and keyboard, I had the privilege of sharing the beauty of Sugama Sangeetha with a diverse audience.
Performing a selection of Bhavageethe at a concert. The simplicity and emotional depth of this genre allow for a direct connection with the audience, making every performance a shared experience.
Singing a rare Bhavageethe composed by the great C. Ashwath. This poem by B.R. Lakshmana Rao is unique because each line is set in a different raga, a compositional challenge that Ashwath sir handled with beautiful simplicity.
About this collection
You don't need formal musical training to join these sessions. My workshops are designed as an open, relaxed 'adda' where we sit together, break down the poetry, and discover the melody behind the words. Whether you are a fan of Sugama Sangeetha or just curious about Kannada literature, we learn at our own pace in an inclusive environment.
Bhavageethe and Sugama Sangeetha are more than just genres of music; they are a conversation with our culture. In these workshops, I take you through the works of iconic poets like Kuvempu and Nissar Ahmed, set to the timeless compositions of legends like Mysore Ananthaswamy and C. Ashwath.
My approach is simple: we remove the hierarchy. We gather in small groups—up to 30 people—to ensure everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. We don't just sing; we discuss. We explore the nuances of raga, the structure of the poetry, and the emotional context behind the lyrics.
I have facilitated these sessions at venues like the Indian Music Experience Museum, and I have seen how a group of strangers can quickly become a community through the shared love of music. If you have been looking to reconnect with Kannada literature or simply want to understand the craft behind the songs you grew up listening to, these sessions are for you. I bring the lyrics and the context; you bring your curiosity. We will talk about everything from the complexity of different ragas in a single poem to the simple joy of humming a tune together.
Pallavi MD
I’m Pallavi. My world is filled with stories, music, and the beautiful Kannada poetry that brings us all together. Whether I’m performing or leading a workshop, I believe the best art happens when we learn from each other and create a shared space for expression.
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