All India Radio’s (AIR) substantial contribution to classical music has been enormous. And, it is AIR that developed the innovative Indian orchestral music. The purists would argue that orchestration would leave no scope for the artist’s imagination and creativity to come into full play. Here comes the ingenuity and vision of the conductor who has to keep in mind the technique, compass, speed, gamaka range and grace of each instrument.
In unison
Reviving the dormant Vadya Vrinda, AIR Chennai, in its Isai Saral series presented before an invited audience, three beautiful compositions that brought out the group’s breadth and virtuosity. Besides the tambura, 31 musical instruments – six violins, five veenas, four flutes, three mridangams, two keyboards, one each of viola, gottuvadyam, nagaswaram, sitar, thavil, ganjira, ghatam, tabla, cello, double base and rhythm pad – formed the ensemble. Each participant is an eminent artist in his or her chosen field. The pitch was ‘G.’ There were no sahitya or tala intricacies. There was harmony resulting from playing of instruments of variegated tone-colour in unison.
In the opening piece conducted by the flute exponent Y. Subramaniam, Kiravani and Kharaharapriya were harmoniously blended to create the course that a river takes right from the majestic mountain through canyons, gentle valleys, green meadows, vast plains, and on to its merging with the mighty waves of the sea. Y.Subramanyam, with his mix of creative talent and long experience, conveyed the powerful message that the river is the mother of all living beings. The tisra and Khanda nadais provided a welcome twist. The gottuvadyam interlude suggested a placid riverside.
Well known flautist K.V. Ramanujam’s theme was ‘woman.’ Yes, as she grows - right from her early childhood, as a young girl, as a beautiful bride, a dutiful wife, a proud mother, an affectionate teacher and a caring nurse. It gave a tender yet, sumptuous account, solid at its core. Ramanujam ingeniously and artistically brought out the entire potential of Raga Kalyani. The composition soothingly conveyed the similarity between a flower and a woman and the divinity that womanhood has. The marriage sequence was exceptionally realistic with the nagaswaram and thavil. The mini thani was a lovely interlude. The tisra nadai and the folk refrain enriched the piece.
Veteran violist V.V. Ravi in his ragapravaham portrayed five of the navarasas - devotion, anger, peace, compassion and joy through a well rendered mallari (by the nagaswaram and thavil), Nalinakanthi, Varamu, Chandrajyothi, Varnarupini and Revathi. The transitions were seamless. It made the listener feel each emotion through the variety of lush and sweet melodic phrases. V.V. Ravi, with his expertise and insight used the five nadais effectively to swiftly transform the mood.
It must have taken days of severe practice to produce the concert. Jaya Mahadevan, who coordinated and produced it, and V. Parthasarathy, who presented it, deserve appreciation. On the whole, the performance had both passion and precision. The ensemble did produce heightened effects on listeners in keeping with the classical form, style and technique.
Incidentally, the multi-track studio of AIR Chennai provides the ideal setting to listen to classical music in soulful tranquillity.
(ramakrishnan.h@gmail.com)
