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SANGEETHA RASIKA SANGAM - July 2007
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The 99th Music Program of Sangeetha Rasika Sangam, Chennai 92 was held at Sri Vara Siddhi Vinayagar Temple, Chinmayanagar (Central Chinmaya Mission Trust) on 15th July 2007. While Padmasri Dr Gayathri Shankaran featured as vocalist, she was accompanied by Shri T K Padmanabhan on the violin, with percussion support on Mridangam provided by Shri A V Raghuprasad. Gayathri Shankaran opened the concert by singing a varnam. Sri Maha Ganapathim in Atana of Mysore Chamaraja Wadiyar was presented mellifluously and colourfully. Another song 'Kothandapani' stirred the minds of listeners with its sweetness. Following this, 'Sambo Mahadeva' in Bowli, a janya raga of 15th Melam, was rendered sweetly and diligently. The delineation of Suddha Dhanyasi, an owdava-owdava raga brought its subtler aspects into sharp focus, producing waves of melody Shri T K Padmanaban, the senior violin Maestro reproduced its vibrant notes in an impeccable manner. The artiste's recital of 'Narayana Ninne Nametha' of Shri Purandara Dasar of this age old raga in Kandachapu made a distinct mark on the programme. It was rendered in profound melody and bhava. Naga Kandhari, a Janya raga of 20th Melam endeared the audience to the artiste. Shri A V Raghuprasad ensured smooth beats on Mridangam, enhancing concert's worthiness on a laya scale. The improvisation of Pantuvarali (51st melam - Kamavardhini) raga drew great praise. Gayathri Shankaran explored the raga's deeper realms with her inimitable style of expression, bestowing care to bring out the nuances of the raga with classical precision. 'Raghu vara' in Adi Tala was the sahitya chosen and the same was sung with moving melody. The Sangathies, Neraval and swara prasthara formed a coherent whole to bring great cheer among the audience. Shri Padmanabhan used his bow creatively to produce melody and add refinement. His touches of the string showed his upmanship in violin artistry. Shri A V Raghuprasad gave a fitting tala support. His 'Thani' produced systematic beats and same was appreciated with loud applause and cheer from the rasikas. 'Kanda Nal Mudhal' in Madhuvanthi, a janya raga of 59th Melam Dharmavathi left a deep imprint in listeners' mind with its fragrance pervading the entire hall. Shri Annamacharya's composition 'Bhavayami Gopala Palam' in Yamuna Kalyani was sung with devotional fervour. The artiste's handling of Valaji and the song "Koovi Azhaithal' received great appreciation from the rasika side. A slokam on Lord Sri Ayyappa created a devotional appeal. The last piece was singing of a Thillana in Dhesh to which audience response was at a highly and emotionally charged level. The programme ended happily with Mangalam.
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