During his lifetime, MD Ramanathan was considered a maverick vocalist and composer whose music defied the existing mores. He was known for his slow tempo and low pitched singing in a sonorous voice.
Sreevalsan J Menon’s concert at Tripunithura proved a fitting tribute to the genius musician and composer. The object of the concert was to feature popular compositions of MDR and thus the improvisational aspects did not dominate the concert. Vighnaraja ninnu , a kriti in Sreeranjani raga, had the niraval on Varijanayana . Idappally Ajith did well in executing the swara phrases with multiple permutations on the violin.
The day was given the title ‘Kedaram’ as the raga was a favourite of MDR and his kalpanaswaras and long gamaka-laden alapanas in the raga were exceptional. He was one musician who accorded such a superior status to the raga. In the same raga, Sreevalsan presented Tyagarajagurumashraye , with a niraval on Varapachanadakshetram , which was tastefully presented. Swaras were neatly packed in short cycles, rounding off the right finish.
Erudite rendition
The vocalist highlighted the characteristic expressions of Atana to take off to a brisk number Hariyum haranum onre , a song that highlights the similarities between Vishnu and Shiva. Staccato phrases were many in the vocalist’s delineation of Sahana raga and this extended to a Tamil composition Velavane unakku velai enavo sol . Njanjil Arul left his indelible mark in playing many variations on the mridangam, a feat he repeated in the tani too. The free-wheeling swaras at the point Balasubramanya parvatibalane were delightful. Ajith too had his volley of swaras in triad combinations.
The pièce de résistance was Sagarashayana vibho in Bageshree, which Sreevalsan sung emotively. His voice soared in full throated ease in the higher notes and was pitch perfect. The niraval on the single line of the pallavi was the icing on the cake. Arul put up another impressive show in the tani that was marked by creativity, timing and diversity. The deviant mohra was thrilling and impressed one and all. Velattanjoor Sreejith accompanied on the ghatam.
Varying tempos in presenting the compositions would have enhanced the overall impact of the concert. The event was held as part of fifteenth MDR day organised annually by Krishnamoorthy.
