Twenty minutes — that's how long it took for the sound system to be set right for violin virtuoso L. Subramaniam's concert at Yaksha, organised by Isha Yoga Foundation. But, the melodious notes that flowed thereafter made the wait worthwhile.
The legendary musician was accompanied by his son Ambi (violin), D.S.R Murthy (mridangam), G. Sathyasai (morsing) and Satish Pathakota (kanjira). The evening began with Vaatapi Ganapathim , an invocation to Lord Ganesha set in adi tala. If Subramaniam was at his wizardly best, the baby-faced Ambi was not one to lag behind. He effortlessly caressed the bow to produce sounds so eclectic. Smiling at his father who nodded in approval, Ambi endeared himself to one and all.
The second piece was ‘Shiva Shiva Shiva' composed by Subramaniam's father, Prof. V. Lakshminarayana in Karaharapriya. This was followed by a short taniavartanam where the percussionists had a field day. One set the pace and the others joined in, experimenting with the beats in interesting patterns. By the time the tani came to an end, half the audience were carrying on a percussion session of their own!
Subramaniam moved on to the finale, Kuzhaloodhum Kamala Kanna in Kaapi. As he explored the nuances of the song, your heartstrings danced along.
