Logo

This volume contains some sixty classical songs for abhinaya. Ten sankirtans from Annamacarya’s compositions, twentynine from Ksétrayya, sixteen from Sarangapani, one from Sabhapatayya, and four of unknown authorship are given. Each song is provided with (1) introduction in English followed by (2) text of the song in Telugu in Roman script along with (3) word by word meaning (4) line by line meaning, (5) paraphrase wherever necessary and (6) special notes for important items. Each song is provided with its (1) méla samkhya (2) mélakarta raga (3) the raga in which to sing and its (4) tala as also (5) the arOhana and avarohana svaras. This extensive format is adopted to be of real help to the non-Telugu performing artists and students of dance. It can be of some help even to the Telugu artists and students of dance in understanding the song for clear interpretation. A simple exposition of different types of Nayikas and Nayakas with their technical points is provided for the student to grasp the full significance of the composition. Biographical notes for the major composers Annamacarya, Ksétrayya and Saramgapani are given at the beginning of each group of songs. It is hoped that performing artists and students of dance will find this volume useful in their abhinaya endeavours.