With his scholarship, disciplined approach and musical acumen, Kunnakkudi Balamuralikrishna provided an excellent performance in Palakkad recently. His kriti selections revealed his extensive repertoire and his rapport with the accompanists enhanced the impact of the concert.
The concert got off to a flying start with the Sahana raga varnam ‘Karunimpa Ithi’ of Tiruvottiyur Thyagayya. Delightfully rendered, ‘Intaparakha’ (Mayamalavagowla-Umadasar), appended with vibrant swaraprastharas, pleased rasikas.
His interpretation of ‘Sarasasamadana’ (Kapinarayani-Tyagaraja) captured the spirit of the kriti. With his powerful voice in fine fettle, he took up Lathangi for detailed elaboration. Moving effortlessly in all the octaves, he drew a majestic portrait of the raga, decorating it with orthodox sangathis.
Choosing the popular composition of Patnam Subramanya Iyer ‘Aparadhamulaniyu’, he excelled in the niraval and swara korvais. The interesting chittaswaram in ‘Sri Sankara Guruvaram’ (Nagaswaravali- Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer) and the brief contours of the raga presented after the kriti rendition, made a mark.
One of the major ragas, Thodi offers enormous scope for extensive elucidation. While Balamurali did cover some classical traits of the raga, it was inadequate.
Being the main raga of the concert, it called for a comprehensive treatment. Choosing the weighty Tyagaraja kriti, ‘Kaddhanu Variki’ he did not do justice to it in his rendition. The absence of niraval was conspicuously noticeable. However, the swara sequences were sung with verve.
The concluding phase of the concert, comprising the moving ‘Jagadodharana’ (Hindustani Kapi-Purandaradasa), the melodious ‘Muralidhara Gopala’ (Maand- Periasami Thooran) and the evocative ‘Bhaja Bhaja Maanasa’ (Sindhubhairavi- Swati Tirunal) exuded tranquil soulfulness.
The breezy thillana of Patnam Subramanya Iyer in Khamas was an apt piece to conclude the concert.
Keeping pace with the main artiste, violinist Anayampatti Venkatasubramanian, a disciple of renowned violinist M.S.Anantharaman, showcased glimpses of the Parur style, in his praiseworthy accompaniment. The synergy of the percussionists Sankaranarayanan (mridangam) and Nerkunnam Shankar (ganjira) matched that of the vocalist.
Playing with great coordination, both exhibited their command over laya. Their well crafted, robust thani in Adi tala was a treat.
The concert was held at Palghat Fine Arts Society.
