Ramakrishnan Murthy proved his mettle as a top ranking vocalist during his recital in Palakkad. His excellent patanthara, srutisudha and sagacious sense of aesthetics were in evidence in his concert. Gifted with a pleasant voice, he could connect with the listeners right from the opening varnam ‘Intachalamu’ of Veena Kuppa Iyer in Begada.
Befitting the occasion, he rendered two songs on Lord Ganesha – ‘Sri Maha Ganapathiravathuma’ in Gowla, a Dikshitar composition, and Papanasam Sivan’s evergreen composition ‘Tatvamariya Tharama’ in Reethigowla. The alapana preceding the latter kriti was superb, with the raga bhava emerging in entirety. The kriti rendition, adorned with an emphatic niraval and crisp swara patterns, was entrancing.
Swati Tirunal’s padavarnam ‘Suma Sayaka’ in the ancient raga Karnataka Kapi is an unique creation with graceful ethukkada swaras (ragamalika) in the charanam; the vocalist’s stylish presentation of the piece brought nostalgic memories of maestro K.V. Narayanaswamy.
After a brisk ‘Vachaamagocharame’, an Aikaka raga kriti of Tyagaraja in the rare raga ‘Kaikavasi’, he embarked on a lucid elaboration of Kalyani. The alapana stood out for its classical purity; the sangatis and akaaras showcasing the raga lakshanas were pleasing. Selecting Tyagaraja’s masterpiece ‘Aethavunera’, he gave full vent to his innate creativity in the niraval and innovative swara combinations at ‘Sreekarudagu Thyagaraja’.
Delectable sketches of Hamirkalyani, Hamsanandhi, Kaapi and Dwijawanthi in the verse ‘Sandranandaavabodh-atmakam’ of Narayaneeyam followed by the evocative Malayalam padam of Swati Tirunal's, ‘Taruninjan’ were steeped in bhava. The concluding thillana (Mysore Seshanna) in Chenchurutti was delightful.
Seasoned violinist Idappally Ajith Kumar was at his sharpest. Playing with gusto, Nanjil Arul (mridangam) revelled in his dexterous display. Vazhappally Krishnakumar’s handling of the ghatam bore testimony to his competence. Their taniavarthanam in Adi was well received by the listeners. The concert was in connection with the Kumbhabhishekam at Prasanna Mahaganapathy temple at Chathapuram.
