A multi-faceted artiste, Palakkad K.L. Sreeram sustained a pleasing tempo with his fine selections at a concert in Palakkad. He began impressively with the famous Bhairavi varnam Viriboni .
Though his delineation of Mayamalavagowla was definitely appreciable, one was left wondering whether such a long elaboration for the very second item was necessary. Tyagaraja’s Merusamana was the kriti selected. Karpaga Manohara, composed by Papanasam Sivan in Malayamarutham, was sung in a fast tempo and it was embellished with breezy swaras.
The rare raga Kosalam (71st mela) was analysed beautifully with accent on the jeeva swaras. Koteeswara Iyer’s Ka Guha Shankukha in this raga was well portrayed.
It would have been more appropriate if Sreeram had taken up Tyagaraja’s Giriraja Suta in Bangala in the initial phase of the concert, as it is in praise of Lord Ganesha who is also the Ishtadevatha of the raga.
The beauty of Sriranjani was projected admirably in his exposition. The innovative swarakalpanas appended to Tyagaraja’s Bhuvini Dasudane, particularly those ending in dhaivatham, made a mark.
The main raga Poorvikalyani, interspersed with copious akaaras, was detailed at length. The raga bhava emanated superbly in the rendition of the famous kriti of Muthuswamy Dikshitar’s — Meenakshi mae mudam and in the swaraprastharas. Meera bhajan Tuma bina and the popular piece Muruganin Marupeyar won the appreciation of the rasikas.
Despite the positive facets, the concert did not evoke a profound fulfilment, as melody and soulfulness were not given the prominence they deserve. Further, niraval, which is an important feature of a concert, was not even attempted.
Accompanists Thiruvizha Viju S. Anand (violin) and Palakkad K.S. Maheshkumar (mridangam) stole the show with their outstanding display.
Their interesting tani in Adi tala was robust and crisp. The concert was organised by Palghat Fine Arts Society, Tharekkad.
