Sree Sathyasai Sangeethothsavam, themed on ‘music for peace,’ had soulful performances by veteran artistes as well as young talents. The curtain-raiser of the fete at M.D.R. Hall, Palakkad, was a musical offering of the ghanaraga pancharatna kritis of Tyagaraja, sung by eminent musicians, accompanied by veteran percussionists.
Violin maestro M. Chandrasekharan, along with his daughter and disciple, G. Bharathy, reigned over the stage with their wholesome concert. Chandrasekharan’s vast repertoire, earned through an unalloyed journey in music over 65 years, had his characteristic flavour and flamboyance.
Being an accomplished vocalist too, his singing along with the violin was doubly enjoyable.
The main piece was an expansive treatment of Kedaragowla that portrayed the singular features of the raga. ‘Saraguna palimpa’ of Poochi Sreevivasa Iyengar, set to Adi tala, two kala and appended niraval, played with the erudite support of Bharathi and sung by Chandrasekhar, depicted the structural aesthetics of the composition. Alternate, sprightly manodharmaswaras were followed by an adroit tani by accompanists Trichur K.M.S. Mani (mridangam) and Vaikom Gopalakrishnan (ghatam).
Vocalist Ranjith Warrier showcased his musical brilliance with vivacity and crystal-clear padanthara. His luxurious treatment of Kamboji, marked by radiant sancharas, was charming. Tyagaraja’s ‘Ma Janaki’, decorated with opulent niraval and spirited swaraprasthara at ‘Rajarajavara....,’ stood testimony to his musical prowess.
Shenkottai Harihara Subramaniam, who has established his mettle as an exponent of Sampradayabhajana too, came up with a power-packed presentation. He began the concert with a salutation to guru and ‘Evaribodhana’, Abhogi raga, Adi tala varna in three speeds, showcasing his rhythmic expertise. A disciple of mridangam maestro Sreemushnam Rajarao, he presented a soulful Sankarabharana ragalapana and rendered an immaculate Thodi, the main raga.
Violinist Idappally Ajithkumar melodiously responded to the improvisational passages.
A poignant ‘Venuganaramana’ of Oothukkadu Venkata Kavi, decorated with brilliant ragamalika swarakalpanas, comprising Behag, Kadanakuthoohalam, Karnatakadudhasaveri and Gunkali led to an expert tani. G. Babu (mridangam) and Vellattanjur Sreejith (ghatam) provided excellent support.
