Some vocalists are keen to show their scale range by ‘trying’ upper-octave panchamam or higher, no matter how it sounds. What are some of the unfortunate consequences of this? Concert goals shift from audience enjoyment to gung-ho demonstration, from a soothing experience to bombardment, and from pleasing vocal music to vocal exercises for showmanship. In fact, the gentler and quieter the music, the more its power to elevate the soul. If you put these terms together, you will understand the contrast that I am referring to. The following words are now in danger of being edged out - softness, finesse, grace, refinement and polish, poise and restraint. Yet, it’s a style perpetrated from seniors to rising stars. For example, a thunderous high-speed, protracted niraval for a few ‘avartanams’ with largely repetitive phrases but rendered with punch and aggression is common now - but quite antithetic to the beauty of many ragas. It is now par for the course to be loud, over-enthusiastic, imperious and vigorous, which all seem to be advocated as surrogates for liveliness and energy.

Carnatic music, however, is seeing the creeping influence of a muscular and robust brand of singing that may challenge these definitions. We say, ‘it’s music to the ears’ when something is pleasant. The definition of music includes terms like melody, aesthetics, enjoyment and similar emotions.

Speediness define