Sangeetha Rasika Sangam

SANGEETHA RASIKA SANGAM - July 2009

The 122nd Music Program of Sangeetha Rasika Sangam, Chennai 92 was held at Sri Varasiddhi Vinayagar Temple, Chinmayanagar (Central Chinmaya Mission Trust) on 25th July 2009.

Sri Swamimalai Suresh, gave a scintilating vocal recital with instrumental support provided by Mr Rahul on the violin, Sri Mohanakrishnan on the Mrudhangam and Mayavaram G Somu on the Kanjira.
Sri Suresh opened the concert with a Varnam in Andholika, which was executed crisply.
Jaya Jaya Swaminnu in Nattai was sweetly rendered and its swara presentation was colourful.
Next Sahitya 'Deva Deva Kalayamikae' of Swathi Thirunal in Maya Mala Gowlam, the 15th Melam, was sung with a full devotional fervour. The artiste's raaga elaboration was lively and brought the nuances of the raga with greater clarity. The beauty of this raga lies in the fact that both in the ascending and descending scales, the swaras can be grouped into four sets. Sudha Rishabham with Adhara Shadjamam forms the first pair. Andhara Gandharam with Sudha Madhyamam, being the next, Panchamam with Sudha Dhaivatham, the third and Kakali Nishadam and Thara Shadjamam, the fourth component of this pairing pattern. Because of this special feature found in the swara combination, classical music is taught with this raaga base. The violinist's interpretation of the notes in his instrument was pleasant and melody focussed.
The duo of Mridangam by Sri Mohana Krishnan and Sri Mayavaram Somu in Kanjira captured the attention of the audience with the beats on their respective percussion instruments, reverberating the hall.
The rendition of raaga Poorvi Kalyani was charming. The artiste touched the deeper realm of this raga (a Janya of 53rd KMelam) byu articulating the subtler phrases with a mellufluous voice. The song was well presented.
Makelara of St Thyagaraja in Ravichandrika was presented in a sweet form. The artiste's improvisation of Keeravani was laudable. He sang the 'Vaananai Madhi Choodi', a Thevaram, in an impeccable manner. His true grasp of Kakalinishadham and Sudhadeivatham, which are the Jeeva swaras of the raaga, enriched the ranjathvam components of Keeravani.
Then he chose Lalgudi Gopala Iyer's 'Thaamadham Thagathaiya' in Mohanakalyani was soul stirring.
The main raga taken up for elaboration was Sankarabaranam. The deeper recesses of this raaga were explored. Sarojadhala Nethri, a Sama Sasthri's composition was the chosen Krithi. The Sangathies, Neraval and swara prasthara produced synergy and harmony and appealed to listeners intellectually. Sri Rahul maintained standards set in violin artistry and produced vibrant and melodious notes to enrich the concert's effectiveness. The percussionary support given by Sri Mohanakrishnan and Sri Mayavaram Somu was remarkably well. The duo excelled each other while doing the Thani. They received a thunderous applause from the audience.
Then a melodious film song, Enna Kavi Paadinaalum of Anayampatti Aadhisesha Iyer, in the Raaga Neelamani touched the hearts of the audience

A Thillana of Lalgudi Jayaraman, in Raaga Senjurutti was appreciated well by the audience.
After rendering a Thirupugash in Raaga Malika comprising, Suddha Kaveri, Kedaragowlam, Hamsanandhi and Naatakurinji Sri Suresh concluded the event with Mangalam.

Sangeetha Rasika Sangam.