Workshop on Veena

Workshop on Veena

The SVN Music Academy conducted a workshop on Veena, the queen of instruments, under the direction of Dr R Visweswaran, in collaboration with the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. Three Veena recitals each of a different generation and style, pleased the gathering.

Dr R Visweswaran is not only a veteran Veena player, but also a senior teacher, composer and also author of a few books. When one listens to veteran R Visweswaran on the Veena, it is impossible to believe that he is 85!

“Sri Saraswathi,” the soulful Arabhi composition of Dikshitar gave Prof Visweswaran a sound beginning. Then a rare Sriranga Prabandha of Venkatamakhi in the Raga Bouli.

The “Brochevarevarura” was followed by “Sri Nararda” of “Saint Tyagaraja”.  Kaanada acquired a special delight at the improvisational flashes. Kambodhi alapana was spacious, neat and rich in gamakas. “Thaana,” the speciality of Veena, was rendered in a few Hindustani-influenced ragas like Lalath, Maru Behag and Bairagi Bhairav, apart from Natakuranji and Kambodhi.

He chose a self composed kruthi “Shive Sri Tripura Sundari Pahimam” set to misrachapu Thala, that too, in the “Atheetha Graha.” He concluded with a composition of Tyagaraja in the raga Aahiri. He brought out subtleties of each raga, impactfully and the concert was like a guiding lamp to youngsters. Three percussionists – R Adamya Guruprasanna and B Rajasekhar gave good support on mridanga, khanjari and morching, respectively.

Impressive Pallavi

On Sunday, popular Vainiki Dr Suma Sudhindra opened her recital with a varnna, in Kalyani, but in five speeds, which revealed her brilliance.

The “Hiranmayeem” of Dikshitar in that evocative Raga Lalitha, was also pleasing. Dharmavathi (the 59th Mela) alapana enlivened with some lovely “Sangathies”. 

Thana was equally impressive and the Pallavi in Khanda Nade Adi Thala, with fine swaraprasthara, its lilting laya giving it a haunting tilt. The racy Desh Thillana of Lalgudi Jayaraman lending the recital a delightful finale. Nalina Mohan on violin, B C Manjunath on mridanga, Srishylan S on ghata and Srilatha’s (co-player) support were complementary to the Veena recital.

Sparkling Veena

Curtains came down on the Veena workshop with the Veena recital of Dr Jayanthy Kumaresh, who has a reputation for consistency.  The Natakuranji Kruthi of Dikshitar gave her a flying start. Raga Kantamani acquired a lilting flavour with crisp swara for the Tyagaraja composition.

Kharaharapriya alapana was presented with usual elan and the thana in different ragas was also attractive. “Prakkalanilabadi”, the stately composition’s impact bristled with a sparkling swara prasthara. The Jawadi and the Shyama Sastry Kruthi were also tuneful. H S Sudheendra on mridanga and Phanindra Bhaskar on ghata, rose to great heights in their supporting roles.