An Ideal and Adorable Singer

[Guest guest]

Sri Sathya Sai Baba is an ideal and adorable singer – adorable, because His

voice is so mellifluous and ideal because the songs He sings move the hearts of

listeners. He is very particular about taal (keeping time) and revels in its

nuances. When His students sing, He plays cymbals with uncanny charm and on

occasions, like a music conductor, He lifts his forefinger and brings it down

with a professional flourish! The way He moves his head and responds

whole-heartedly to melody that stems from devotion is fascinating to watch.

Musicians across the country and everywhere else in the world consider it a rare

privilege to sing or play in Swami's presence. HE appreciates equally all the

different styles and schools of music. Over the many years many different top

singers and musicians have given programmes, during festivals at Puttaparthi.

Famed playback singers have revelled in the chance to sing in the presence of

Baba. Amongst the devotees, one often hears of a Lata Mangeshkar having been

present at a Sai bhajan, or a P. Susheela having presented a concert in Baba's

presence. Sai bhajans records by Ghantasala, Jutika Roy and others as well as a

Suprabhatam disc by Susheela are favourites with Sai devotees Renowned

musicians like Karaikurchi and M.S Subbalakshmi, Ravi Shankar and jazz player,

Maynard Ferguson, have visited Puttaparthi and Whitefield to give performance

before Baba.

These artists have often been surprised of Baba's knowledge of all aspects of

music. Violin maestro P. Sethuramiah had a rare privilege of not only playing

on the violin before Baba, but also the unique luck of listening to an

exclusive carnatic music concert by Him! Swami told them "You all have been

giving Me joy with your music…Let Me now entertain you".

Swami gave a three-hour-long carnatic music concert accompanied on the violin by

Sri Sethuramiah and on the mrindangam by another expert. Everyone gathered there

was intoxicated by the melody of the music, as they heard this Krishna sing,

like the gokula vasis during Lord Krishna's time. Sri Sethuramiah was surprised

how he was able to accompany such divine music. Sethuramiah recalled how he

wasn't playing the violin consciously. It was so entrancing...the melody…the

masterly rendering and the superb style of singing!

How lucky are we to hear bhajans sung by Swami Himself……GOD HIMSELF!

JAI SAI RAM

UNNIKRISHNAN

AUSTRALIA

[Guest guest]

Jai Sai Ram.

Dear Sai Devotee,

It was a pleasure to read your e-mail. Thanks.

Meera