Folk song (Raga Tisra Nadai)

Dr. N. Ramani recorded Homage To Guru \"Mali\" as a tribute album dedicated to his guru, T. R. Mahalingam (known as \"Mali\"), a prominent figure in Carnatic flute tradition. The label Saregama India Ltd. released the album on compact disc. The release date remains undocumented in available sources, but the format aligns with the label’s catalog of classical recordings from the late 20th century.

The album features traditional Carnatic compositions and folk-inspired renditions. Track 5 presents a folk song in Raga Tisra Nadai, a rhythmic structure characterized by its triple-meter cycle. Ramani’s interpretation retains the melodic essence of folk traditions while adhering to classical ornamentation techniques. The track exemplifies his ability to blend regional folk elements with the formal rigor of Carnatic music.

Ramani’s performance on the bamboo flute (venu) emphasizes breath control and gamaka (ornamental oscillations), hallmarks of his style. The accompanying artists for this album are not explicitly credited in the provided context. The recording quality reflects Saregama’s production standards for classical releases of the era, with balanced acoustics suited for instrumental clarity.

Homage To Guru \"Mali\" serves as both a personal homage and a pedagogical reference for students of the Mysore Bani (school) of flute playing. The album’s liner notes, where available, likely include anecdotes about Ramani’s discipleship under Mahalingam, though these details are not confirmed in the given context. The CD format suggests distribution aimed at connoisseurs and institutional libraries specializing in Indian classical music.