There's no doubt that Telugu songs and its cinema are a favorite amongst many fans in South India. For one, its cinema showcases some of the prettiest women (my opinion) in our times, and also has been known to combine both aspects of songs and dance to a level of perfection that is worthy of mention. Yet there’s much more to Telugu songs and the Arts, apart from just cinema. For one, it is home to the distinguished South Indian Classical form of music also known as Carnatic Music, from which almost very song in the four states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh takes its melody, harmony and divine inspiration, so to speak. The language of Telugu is the essence of Carnatic music as many say, and by now you should know that the converse also fits the relationship that these two share. Any devout Hindu worth his salt will tell you that their association to music began eons ago, with its foundations in the Sama Veda with the single of purpose of offering worship to God through their music. Yet the language of Telugu and Sanskrit played a large role in the development of Carnatic music as its emphasis is on the vocals with most composition that are written to be sung. Several instruments (both percussion and stringed) are used such as the Veena, Mridangam, Ghatam, Morsing, Kanjira, Pullankuzhal, Violin and the Tamboura. What is amazing about Carnatic music is the improvisation that is a prominent part of the performance. Strangely enough, Hindustani Classical Music owes its structure and rise to dominance in North India due to the influence of Carnatic Music on many of its early composers. Three of the earliest contributors, also known as the Trinity of Carnatic music namely Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri used Telugu and Sanskrit as the languages in their composition in Carnatic music. Here’s a Carnatic composition sung in Telugu by the reknowned M.S Subbalakshmi: Normally, Carnatic music is performed on a raised stage with its performers seated. With its reach to an Indian audience for a long time, Zakir Hussain and John McLaughlin changed it all. This video is a performance of the band Shakti aptly called ‘The Dance of Happiness’, which bases its jams on a fusion of Carnatic and Hindustani Classical music: Musicianship at its best with no need for funky beats, electronica yet full of energy and life. But as with the changing times, with the dawning of popular easy listening music through cinema, telugu songs has two distinct segments one of which is Carnatic music and the other, cinema music. Here’s a nice song from the telugu movie ‘Bommarillu’ called ‘Bommanni Geeste which depicts the subtle influence of Carnatic music on the singers, although the instruments used are not necessarily from Classical music: In summary, the world of Carnatic Music is worth looking back on in appreciation and should fill you with the pride and joy of being a part of that rich heritage of the state of Andhra Pradesh. In order to truly appreciate other cultures, we must learn to appreciate and encourage the talent that lies within our own borders.