Kottakkal Ranjith Varier proved his credentials in his vocal recital at Palghat Fine Arts Society, Tharekkad. His keen sense of sruthi, faithful adherence to tradition and intelligent selections, coupled with rich manodharma and erudition, made a strong impact.
Pachimiriyam Adiyappayya’s majestic Bhairavi varnam Viriboni and a fast-paced Birana Brovayithe , a composition of Tarangampadi Panchanada Ayyar in Kalyani, provided a solid start to the concert. Sweet contours of Varamu (Sudha Hindolam) preceded Tyagaraja kriti Manasuloni with the kalpanaswaras reflecting the raga bhava. Parama Purusham (Lalitha Panchamam – Swathi Thirunal) was an apt choice before an essay of Anandabhairavi, which was enriched with sangathis. Swara korvais adorned the Syama Sastri kriti Himachala tanayu bro .
The vocalist took up Nattakurinji as the main raga, after a brisk Sudha Mayee (Amrithavarshini – Muthiah Bhagavathar).
The fine elaboration, adorned with sangathis and akaaras, captured the distinct flavour of the raga. Gopalakrishna Bharathi’s Vazhimaraithirukkudhe , a kriti in Nandanar charithram, was a welcome selection. The vibrant niraval and innovative swara combinations enriched the rendition.
Aural portraits
Ranjith displayed his judiciousness in choosing the breezy Padavini Sadbhakthi (Salaga Bhairavi – Tyagaraja) prior to the RTP in Subhapanthuvarali. The thanam passages were interesting. The pallavi Neetu paadamae gathiyeni nammithi Sri Ramachandra in Kandajathi triputa tala was portrayed admirably in the traditional format. Swift ragamalika swaras lent weight to the rendition. Govindamiha , a devotional number by Narayana Teertha in Bhimplas, followed. Ranjith signed off with Bhagyadha Lakshmi Baramma of Purandaradasa in Sri raga.
Violinist Thiruvizha Viju S. Anand’s acconpaniment was scintillating. K. Jayakrishnan (mridangam) extended support with agility and anticipation. Kalamandalam Shaiju (morsing) showed promise with his pleasing display.
