The Classical Traditions

The Classical Traditions Karnatak vocal concert at the Kuthiramalika Palace in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 2006. The performers are (from left) Cherthala R. Jayadevan, mridangam; Vimalavenugopal, support vocal; Dr. K. Omanakutty, vocal; unknown, tambūrā; B. Ranjini Varma, support vocal; Kottayam S. Muralidharan, morsing (mouth harp); and Attukal Balasubramaniam, violin (not visible). Photo by N. Scott Robinson. Musicians of India commonly say their tradition is 3,000 years old. This implies…