Bell Cymbal

Old is Gold

In the age when the age-old art are nearing extinction, it is our Primary responsibility to evangelize the benefits of the art. Villupaatu (Bow song) is a very famous story telling methodology followed in TamilNadu.

Bow, the age-old weapon used for warfare is the musical instrument in this case. It is an ardent fact that History repeats itself. This art is still famous in India because of people like Kalaimamani Subbu Arumugam. Most of the readers would have seen him in TV shows, now it our time to appreciate his effort in nurturing this art.

There are total eight members in a Villu Pattu orchestra. The lead singer also plays the role of the main performer. He also handles the dominating instrument which is bow shaped. The palmyra wood is used to make this instrument. It is curved like a bow with its two ends attached by a string that is stretched tight with tension. This bow is rested on the neck of a large earthen jug, which in turn rests on a circular plate made of coconut fiber. There are numerous bells hung from the string of the bow and two cymbals are also seen at each end. There were two slender wooden rods called the `veesukkol`, which were used by the main performer to strike the string of the bow in time with the beats. This sets off the bells and the cymbals.

Villisaiyil Avaiyar is a recent release from Sri. Subbu Arumugam. Every student in Tamil nadu would have learnt about this age old lady who has instructed a lot of good deeds to the public. “Athi chudi” by Avaiyar is imbibed in the academic curriculum as it teaches a lot of good deeds that have to be inculcated in the young mind.

Sri. Subbu Arumugam’s effort in creating such an wonderful album celebrating the work of Avvai Paati( Grand mother ) The idea of Vembathur Krishnan is definitely noted and should be appreciated.

About the Author

Traditional music is something that should be preserved and appreciated. This is my attempt to appreciate traditional music.

Bell Cymbal

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