Râga Mohanam: Svara-Kalpanâ

L. Subramaniam recorded Rāga Mohanam: Svara-Kalpana as the third track on side A of the 1984 album Le violon de l’Inde du Sud. The composition spans 17 minutes and showcases Subramaniam’s interpretation of Rāga Mohanam, a fundamental janya rāga in Carnatic music derived from the 28th melakarta Harikambhoji. The performance emphasizes svara-kalpana, an improvisational technique involving spontaneous melodic elaboration within the rāga’s framework.

The album Le violon de l’Inde du Sud released on the French label Ocora in 1984. The recording circulated on a 12\" vinyl LP, part of Ocora’s series documenting global traditional and classical music. Subramaniam’s violin rendition on this track reflects his training under his father and guru V. Lakshminarayana Iyer and his integration of Western classical techniques with Carnatic traditions. The album’s production aligned with Ocora’s mission to preserve and disseminate non-Western musical heritage during the late 20th century.

No additional details confirm the accompanying artists, recording location, or specific session dates for this track. The album’s liner notes, where available, may provide further context on the performance style or Subramaniam’s artistic intent. Rāga Mohanam: Svara-Kalpana remains a documented example of Subramaniam’s early international recordings, predating his later collaborations with Western orchestras and cross-genre projects.