iMusti.com Offers a Rare Collection of Indo-Colonial Music from the 1800's

Feb. 16, 2010 - PRLog -- LOS ANGELES-- A new musical selection is now available on iMusti.com, the premier portal of Indian music.  Vismaya- An Indo Celtic Musical Journey, by Kanniks Kannikeswaran is the first ever complete recording of all 39 compositions in the rare genre of Indo-Colonial music.

In Vismaya, Kannikeswaran brings to light the legacy of nottusvara sahityas, music based on popular Western melodies of the Colonial period from one of India’s foremost composers, Muthusvami Dikshitar, (1775-1835).

The highly acclaimed recording features Indian voices and Celtic accompaniment with the first ever compilation of the 39 compositions of Dikshitar in this genre.

“Vismaya is a mix of music with diverse elements," Kannikeswaran said,”concepts, cultures and a contribution to the younger generation in India, encouraging them to collaborate diverse traditions."

Kannikeswaran says Vismaya exposes the listener to many genres such as lullabies, marches, jigs, dances and prayers. He says it’s an ideal introduction to classical music for children in elementary and secondary schools.

The compositions took over three years of research and are recorded with a rare blend of Indian voices and Western, Irish and Scottish instrumentation.  Some of the Celtic instruments used in the compositions include the Penny whistle, Irish flute, Celtic harp, hammered dulcimer, Irish fiddle, trombone and oboe, among others.

Kannikeswaran's 13-year old daughter, Vidita Kanniks made her singing debut with this album.  "It was both exciting and challenging to sing the entire album," Vidita Kanniks said.  "I truly enjoyed the whole process despite this being the first recording for me."  
She is thankful to her father for the encouragement and the inspiration for singing and has developed a deep passion for music in the process.

Kannikeswaran is a musician, composer, music educator and writer with several recordings, productions and scores.  Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, he is often dubbed the "Magical Musician from Madras."  Kannikeswaran captures the attention of many by his ability to create captivating music easily accessible to a broad audience base, blending complex features of World Music forms. His creative work draws upon his technical skills, and his strong background in Indian culture and music traditions.  

Vismaya in a set of two CDs is available on iMusti.com for $25.00. The album was released this Deepavali as a fitting tribute to Dikshitar on his 174th anniversary.  Vismaya is for the entire family, including children who will be able to understand and correlate to the music in the album.  

Acclaimed cinematographer and director Rajiv Menon inaugurated Vismaya in India.  “I am privileged to be here launching Vismaya," Menon said.  "The album is a laudable journey in unearthing masterpieces from India’s diverse, century’s old musical heritage and reaching it to a larger audience in a contemporary package."

For more information about Kanniks Kannikeswaran visit, www.kanniks.com. To download, purchase or listen to Vismaya- An Indo Celtic Musical Journey, by Kanniks Kannikeswaran, visit iMusti.com today!

Contact:
Suvarna Sheth
Director of Marketing and Communications
suvarna@imusti.com
iMusti.com

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