Violin duet at music festival
Music continued to reverberate at the Sree Rama Seva Mandali, Chamarajpet, as the 31-day Ramanavami Music Festival continued at the special pandal of the Fort High School.
Mysore Nagaraj and Mysore Manjunath, internationally acclaimed violinists gave a violin duet on Thursday evening.
Their concert was refreshing and was noted for its sustained melodic excellence. Though they presented a number of compositions, concentration was on two ragas. First, they elaborated Kharaharapriya, the ever popular raga. The alapana portrayed in fair detail covering the important landmarks. A composition, popular for long time “Rama Ni Samanmevaru” was presented in detail, in which Saint Tyagaraja says – “Rama! Your beloved Sita is like a tender and fragrant creeper on your bosom. We are privileged to have you, as our family deity.”
After a brisk “Himagiri Thanaye,” raga Mohana which was delineated in fair detail and leaving in its wake a melodious flow of varying shades and colours. Veteran percussionist Ella Venkateswara Rao with his tone of Mridanga and the lively rhythmic permutations maintained the enlivening pulse of the recital throughout. His ‘Tani’ though slightly stretched, was quiet interesting.
Sanskrit dance drama
The MES Kalavedi conducted the annual dance festival with Kuchipudi, Bharathanatya and Kathak recitals, last week. Students of Dr Maya Rao presented two Sanskrit dance dramas, which they had choreographed themselves.
The ‘Petika Sanyasi’ attracted with its good humour. ‘Partha Parakrama Vyayoga’ was also delightful. In both the items there was less dance and more drama. Though it was in Sanskrit, audience were able to understand easily and the artistes performed with ease. Musicians in the background also shared the honours with the dancers. Karteek Hebbar (vocal), Janardhana Rao (mridanga), Karteek Dathar (percussion) and Prakash Heggade (flute) – well supported.
Murthy proves mettle
The Seshadripuram Rama Seva Samiti conducted saxophone, flute, veena, violin solo and harmonica concerts apart from vocal were conducted on the occasion of the 66th year Ramanavami Music Festival. The Samiti’s effort to encourage young and upcoming artistes in both Carnatic and Hindustani music, was very much appreciated.Ramakrishnan Murthy is a young vocalist climbing the ladder of success in a fast pace.
A disciple of Delhi Sundarrajan and Palai Ramachandran, has earned the goodwill of connoisseurs, through his fine performances. At the Seshadripuram Rama Seva Samiti, he once again proved that he is reliable and can deliver the goods. For a change Ramakrishnan chose Hamir Kalyani for a detailed elaboration. It is a “Chaya Pradhana, rakti and Bhashanga raga.” Both Tyagaraja and Dikshitar have composed excellent compositions in this raga. It was traditional in approach, enriching raga’s distinct character. The dignified composition “Ksheenamai” with alapana, nerval and swara, had aesthetic charm. ‘Mathada Baradeno’ – the legendary Jawadi brought nostalgic memories.
In the concluding part the popular devaranama ‘Jagadoddarana’ had its lyrical appeal and the jinjoti thillana of Veena Seshanna was also lively. Ramakrishnan Murthy proved beyond doubt that he has a bright future. Charumathi Raghuraman, K V Prasad, G Guru Prasanna gave bright support on violin, mridanga and khanjari, respectively.
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