Simple tunes embellished with myriad nuances give a refreshing experience

The second day of the Margazhi Mahotsavam, jointly organised by Velammal Hospital and The Hindu was celebrated with an orchestral presentation led by Rajhesh Vaidhya on veena. The accompanists were Karukurichi Mohanaraman on mridangam, Chandrajit on tabla, Vijayan on keyboard, Sai Hari on ghatam with Karukurichi Subramanian providing special effects.

Rajhesh Vaidhya began with his own composition in Karnaranjani. His “Vatapi Ganapatim” was a fast rendition and enlivened the pace of the concert.

He displayed variations in style, playing the pallavis in traditional Carnatic style for kritis such as “Krishna nee begane” and at the same time improvising “Raghuvamsa sutha” with special effects. Simple tunes that were well known to the audience, such as “Chinnanjiru Kiliye” and “Manikka veenai” were embellished with myriad nuances of the numerous instruments to give the audience a refreshing experience. “Chinnanjiru penn” had the keyboard improvising along with the chaste rendition of veena. Vijayan also lent his voice to a couple of songs.

The percussionists also chanted a series of jathis, apart from playing a brilliant thani, which highlighted the unique features of each of the drums. This part of the programme won a fitting round of applause.

The orchestra was equally enthusiastic for devotionals such as “Mannanalum Thiruchendooril,” “Azhagellam Murugane” and “Thedinen Devadeva” as they were for film songs such as “Uyire” and “Unnai kanadha kannum”. “Ullathil nalla ullam” was yet another popular number played by the musician. He concluded the concert with western notes composed by Dikshithar.

Rajalakshmi Padmanabhan