Rasikas at the M.D.R. Hall, Palakkad, were treated to an interactive concert by T.H. Subramaniam (violin). He was accompanied by T.R. Rajamani (mridangam) and Vazhappally Krishnakumar (ghatam).
The opening Bhairavi Adi tala varnam ‘Viriboni' in two speeds displayed the Dasavidha gamakas. Dikshitar's ‘Siddhi Vinayakam' in Shanmukhapriya, set to Roopaka tala, had lilting swarasancharas. A succinct and unhurried alapana of the vivadhi raga Ganamurthi preceded Tyagaraja's ‘Ganamurthe.' Exposition of Lathangi was classical and mellifluous.
Judicious selection
Subramanian's judicious selection of compositions, ragas, talas and composers was evident in the concert. ‘Marivere,' of Patnam Subramania Iyer, set to Khandha chappu tala, had cascading manodharmaswara. Dikshitar's ‘Sri Venkata girishamasraye' in Adi tala led to a ragam-tanam-pallavi in Thodi. The pallavi ‘Hare Rama Govindar Murare' was preceded by a neatly woven, rhythmic tanam.
Rajamani's deft touches and intricate combinations made the tani a delight to listen to. Krishankumar also rose to the occasion. Rajamani's playing and virtuosity were demonstrative of the unique style of his father, the legendary Palghat Mani Iyer's.
Next, came a ragamalika comprising Ananthabhairavi, Saveri, Varali, Sahana, Adhana Behag and Neelambari for Annamachariyar's ‘Madhavamamava.' Subramaniam concluded the recital with a rhythmic Thiruppukazh in Ameerkalyani.
The concert was organised in connection with a short-term programme ‘Rhythmical Perspectives – Sadhana,' conducted by the Mridangam Department of Chembai Memorial Music College.
Trichy Sankaran (mridangam), V.R. Suresh (ghatam), T.K. Moorthi (mridangam), Thayumanavar (konnakkol) and Kalamandalam Unnikrishnan (chenda) participated in lecture demonstrations and a layavinyasam, held as part of the programme.