Chennai-based vocalist Sankari Krishnan kept the music lovers in thrall for over a couple hours at Sankara Matham, Visakhaptnam. Her booming articulation in perfect sync with sruthi alignment and rhythmic precision enriched its classical appeal in ample measure. She commenced it on a brilliant note with Neeve Gatiyani in raga Nalinakanthi and what followed was an aural feast in classicism.
Endowed with pliable voice that could traverse in a chosen octave with ease, her navigation of intricate phrases testified her sound grounding in the syntax of Carnatic classical idiom. Be it her ghamaka-laden aalapanas or deft improvisations, her rich manodharma came to fore in its entire brilliance. Her exposition of raga Reethi Goula for Cheraravademira of Thyagaraja seamlessly blended the inherent mood of devotional fervour of the raga with the expressive supplication in the composition that heightened its emotional appeal. Her fluent neraval at the line Meragadu, the quintessential phrase stressing agony of devotee seeking the benediction of Lord Rama for deliverance, found a poignant musical expression.
Paridanamichhete in raga Bilahari was another number that wowed the audience for its exquisite presentation unveiling its majestic profile, raga Varali that followed for Seshachala Nayakam stood out. Spiced with appealing aalapna, charming neraval and dexterous swarakalpana, it was reflective of her musical acumen. The other notable rendition of the evening included Durga Devi in Navarasa Kannada besides a few Tamil compositions and she capped the session with a lively Tillana in Sivaranjani.
Violinist V.V. Ravi and mridangam artiste S. Anantha Krishnan provided impeccable support. Sri Vijaya Thyagaraja Sangeeta Sabha featured it in its monthly schedule.
