Amritha Murali’s concert was steeped in bhakti

Her concert had all the ingredients to make the rendition sublime and engaging

Every concert is an experience. Besides aptitude and ability, it is the sincerity of an artiste that touches a chord in every listener. Amritha Murali’s vocal concert at Parameshwari Centre, hosted by Mulund Fine Arts Society, was one such. Having carved a niche in the musical arena, Amritha established that listening is blissfully engaging.

Beginning with Purandaradasa’s ‘Jaya Jaya’ in Nattai, Khandachapu, she moved on to Tyagaraja’s ‘Raghuvara’ in ragam Pantuvarali set to Adi talam. The dulcet alapana and detailed niraval in ‘manasuna’ was well received.

In Muthuswami Dikshitar’s ‘Narasimha Aagaccha,’ ragam Mohanam and Misrachapu, the singer’s study of the dimensions of the ragam came forth in the alapana and niraval. She could convey the effect of the Narasimha arriving. “In this composition of Dikshitar it looks like Narasimha is coming alive. The syllables of ‘ra’ repeated in madhyama kala, is the symbol of the avatara,” informed Amritha.

Devotional sojourn

‘Enneramum’ in Devagandhari, Adi talam composed by Gopalakrishna Bharati was the next devotional sojourn, in a contrasting pace. ‘Triloka Mata’ in Paras delved deeper in devotion with emotive slowing down in ‘Syama Krishna’ adding sobriety.

The RTP in Kharaharapriya, in Khanda Jati Triputa talam (2 Kalai) was detailed and diligent. ‘Harapriyatmaja Pahi Gajanana’ pallavi and ragamalika swara segment in Hamsadhwani and Malahari was thoroughly enjoyable.

‘Sharade Karunanidhe’ in Hamirkalyani, Misrachapu composed by Sri Chandrashekara Bharati Mahaswamigal was melodic.

A slokam in ragamalika followed by ‘Apara karuna sindhum’ in Sindhubhairavi, composed by her guru R.K. Shriramkumar on Mylapore Kapaleeswara was poignant and profound, in content and execution. This and the following ‘Karunarasa purnasudhabdhe’ in Yamunakalyani, were presented “on the request of the two accompanying artistes.”

The mangalam sung in leisurely detail was the crowning piece of a sagaciously selected repertoire that exemplified the versatility of the performer.

Endowed with a clear voice and nuanced diction, Amritha is able to involve the listeners completely by her competence and innate benediction to internalise her art.

It was a youthful brigade of Shivkumar Anantharaman on violin and Rohit Prasad on mridangam, in equal footing, involved and invigorating.

“Artistes of such calibre enthuse cultural organisations to feature quality programmes for the benefit of art lovers,” opined N. Rajgopal, President of Mulund Fine Arts Society, which is celebrating its golden jubilee year.

Prior to the concert, Sankara Raman of Amar Seva Sangam, special invitee and Amritha Murali took turns in awarding the prizes to the winners of the annual music and dance competitions, conducted by Mulund Fine Arts Society.