Saralaya Sisters chose to present the kritis of Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wodeyar for their Music Academy show. After speaking briefly about the royal scholar, the sisters began with ‘Sri Jalandara’ in Gambhira Nattai. In fact, except for this kriti, besides ‘Sri Mahaganapathim Bhajeham’ (Atana) and ‘Chintayami Jagadambha’ (Hindolam), the others were fresh on the concert platform.
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‘Ksheerasagara’ in Mayamalavagowla, and ‘Baale Brahasrishti Moole’ in Simhendramadyamam were impressively structured. ‘Mahaganapatim Bhaje’ in Amruthavahini, ‘Saraswati Bhagirathi’ in Hamsavinodini, ‘Bhoori Bhagya Lahari’ in Prathapavarali and the touching finale ‘Siva Siva Bho’ in Nadanamakriya lent variety to the repertoire.
The Saralaya Sisters have to be lauded for their clear diction. The Atana and Hindolam essays were just marginal and the swara strings for Gambhira Nattai and Atana were precise. While there was a certain lack of co-ordination in the initial phase, the sisters were soon in sync.
Melakkaveri K. Thiyagarajan provided commendable violin support. K. Sai Giridhar on the mridangam was subdued but sensitive in his percussion, reserving all his energy for his sharp thani.
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