Harmonium is a popular accompanying instrument for classical Hindustani music and bhajans of all kinds. But it has a limited scope in bringing out the inherent spirit of the compositions and the full raga swaroopa, particularly, the gamakas and akaaras. Performing a full-fledged concert on this instrument is an arduous task. This limitation not withstanding, Prakash Ulliyeri made an impression on the audience, with his outstanding performance at The Palghat Fine Arts Society, Tharekkad.
After the impressive opening varnam ‘Evaribodha’ in Abogi, Prakash presented a delightful essay of Hamsadhwani, appended with a speedy rendition of Muthuswamy Dikshitar’s ‘Vataapi Ganapathim’. The expansive swaraprastharas were enthralling.
Strains of Charukesi and the tidy rendition of Swati Tirunal’s ‘Kripaya Palaya’ created a favourable impact. His portrayal of Valaji with due accent on jeeva swaras was a laudable effort.
Choosing Muthiah Bhagavathar’s ‘Jaalanthara’, he played several kalpanaswaras.
The breezy ‘Enta Nerchina’ (Udayaravichandrika - Tyagaraja) was an apt precursor to the main raga, Mohanam. Prakash gave full vent to his manodharma in revealing the beauty of the raga through varied interwoven notes.
After the superb presentation of the kriti ‘Sada Palaya’, composed by GNB, he spun a plethora of colourful swaraprastharas, receiving wide acclamation from the listeners.
He showed his expertise in playing ghazals in his brief rendition of Ghulam Ali’s ‘Chupke Chupke...’. ‘Krishnanee begane’ (Yamuna kalyani-Kanakadasa) and the Swati Tirunal thillana. Prakash ended his concert with a brief but soulful ‘Harivaraasanam’.
Violinist Trivandrum Sampath was a great source of strength to the harmonist. Be it alapana, kriti support or swaraprastharas, he excelled in all the three.
Palakkad Mahesh Kumar possesses a knack of playing the mridangam, which complements the style of the main artiste. This was evident in his powerful display.
Mahesh Mani made his presence felt with his subtle beats on the tabla. Their tani in Adi tala was crisp.
