MUSIC AND DANCE REVIEW

TRIBUTES TO SYAMA SASTRY

Syama Sastri (1762-1827), eldest of the "Trinity" of Karnatic music, was initiated into various aspects of music by Sangita Swamiji who transformed him as a musical genius. He also received guidance from Pachimirium Adappayya. He was the hereditary archaka of Bangaru Kamakshi and a great devotee of Devi.

His compositions exhibit well-polished music, beautiful language and intricate laya patterns. These aspects were highlighted by Dr T S Satyavathi at the MES Kalavedi on Saturday. Dr Satyavathi is respected in the field not only as a senior vocalist but also as a eminent scholar and an able teacher. She briefly explained the salient features of Syama Sastri's compositions - "Vilamba Kaala" in his kruthies, suitability for "nerval," his mishra chapu, variety in "Edapu"; 'Praasa', rare ragas, command over the thala etc. To illustrate, she sang many compositions briefly, like - Sarasijabhava, Mayamma, Marivere, Sarojadalanetri, Himadri Suthe, Ninuvina etc. The demonstration was of high standard, informative and educative.

In her concert also, Satyavathi received good support from two of her disciples - Shilpa Shashidhar and Maruthi Prasad. Satyavathi opened her concert with a well-known sloka (Yadevi Sarva) on Devi and "Dayanidhe." The Bhegade varna gave her a bright start. Kalyani took on a majestic gait and grandeur for Shyama Sastri's popular krithi "Birana Vara."

In total, Satyavathi said "in Shyama Sastri's compositions, music, lyrics and rhythm find their best blend." Connoisseurs don't come across such matured concert and top class demonstrations frequently. The whole programme was heard by a sizeable audience with more respect. Dr S Jyotsna on violin, Tumakuru Ravishankar on mridanga and Omkar G on ghata - accompanied with good understanding.

 
AN ENLIVENING EXPERIENCE

On the occasion of the 75th birthday of Guru Narmada, her three students presented a special programmed by name "Legacy" on Friday. Sathyanarayana Raju, P Praveen Kumar and Dr Soundarya Srivathsa - are senior dancers, teachers and have carved their own respectable places in the field.

The very first item "Bramha Sandhi" Koutvam (in Madhyamavati raga) revealed the start of sound training under Narmada. They presented the Jathiswara malika in a dignified manner without overdoing anything. Sathyanarayan Raju, Praveen Kumar and Soundarya reached new heights of expression in the Asta Ragamalika varna. Their interpretation was a good treat. They concluded with a thillana gucha - consisting of Valachi, Simhendra Madhyama, Rathipathi priya and Thilang ragas. Incidentally most of their selections were in Ragamalika!

It was a visual pleasure to see the trio handling each item with understanding and aesthetic sense. P Raghuram gave inspiring vocal support along with Shakunthala Prabhath (Natuvanga), Harsha Samaga (mridanga) and Karthik Kasaravalli (flute).

 
IMPACTFUL VOCAL

Budaluru Krishnamurthy Sastri was a great exponent of Gotuvadya and a recipient of "Sangeeta Kalanidhi" title from the Music Academy. His disciple Dr Gayathri Rajapur Kassebaum organises a music concert in her Guru's name, every year. This year, Pattabhi Rama Pandit gave a fine concert under the aegis of the Girinagara Sangeetha Sabha.

Pattabhirama Pandit needs no introduction as he is a talented familiar musician of the state. After rendering few good compositions he chose another fine kruthi for a detailed elaboration. While presenting the Keerthane "Sri Subramanyaya" the alap, nerval and swara prasthara, brought out the ragabhava in greater detail.

"Bagayanaiah" and "Bhogendra Shayinam" - are favourites of connoisseurs, always. The highlight of the programme was the delineation of 'Mangala raga' Bilahari in all its glory for the Pallavi. The pallavi "Paramananda Govinda Mukunda" set to Adi thala was impactful and the aesthetic experience was further enhanced with ragamalika swaras in Shahana, Athana, Behag, Varali and Shivaranjini. Even the tailenders - devaranama (Rama Rama Rama Seetha) and the legendary Jawadi (Mathada Baradene) - were also pleasing and well received.

Mattur Srinidhi and K U Jayachandra Rao accompanied on violin and mridanga with aplomb.