JOIN USHomage to Dikshitar
Sri Guruguha Gana Vidyalaya celebrated the 179th Aradhana of Muthuswami Dikshitar on Thursday. On the occasion, rich tributes were also paid to A Ananthakrishna Iyer (1899-1959).
Iyer is the direct “Sishya Parampara” of Dikshitar, who served as a devoted vainika, teacher and composer. A CD of his compositions was released on the occasion and the audio-visual by Revathi Sadasivam was also interesting.
Rudrapattana brothers R N Tyagarajan and R N Tharanathan gave a vocal concert, giving the audience an exclusive opportunity to listen to Dikshitar’s compositions.The brothers opened their vocal duet with a Tiruvaruru Panchalinga kriti “Sadachaleswaram Bhavaye”.
The brief swara brought home the lingering effect of the raga Bhoopalam. Tharanathan chose Bhegade and the kruthi “Tyagarajaya Namasthe” for elaboration with nerval (Vageeshadi AkhilaDeva).
Raga Nasikabhushani is the 70th mela, while Nasamani was its counterpart in the earlier Kanakambari. Tyagaraja, Maha Vaidyanatha Iyer and Kotiswara Iyer have composed in Nasikabhushani, while Dikshitar had composed “Sri Rama Saraswati” in Nasamani raga.
The brothers gave a detailed airing of the raga and keerthane highlighting the lyrical and musical beauty of the composition. C N Chandrashekar on violin, T A S Mani on mridanga and T N Ramesh on ghata, gave good support on their respective instruments. “Sri Kamalambike Shive” and “Sri Venkatesha Gireeshamam” were also pleasing. The Rudrapattana brothers concert was heard more with respect than excitement.
Delightful vocal
Music connoisseurs eagerly look forward to Ganjam’s annual “Flights of Fantasy.” This year also, there were three music concerts by popular artistes at the Chowdaiah Memorial Hall. The spacious auditorium was jam packed last week as music lovers sat down to hear Ranjani and Gayathri, which proved their popularity, once again.
‘Karunimpa’, the well known varna, gave Ranjani and Gayathri a flying start. Delineation of ‘Mayateetha Swarupini” set the mood for the evening. “O Rajeevaksha” of Saint Tyagaraja in the raga Arabhi, was a welcome composition as it is not a familiar kruthi. The slow pace set for “Akhilandeswari” highlighted the lyrical and musical beauty of the composition.
Though pronunciation of few words was not accurate in the “Kaadiruvenu Naanu” of Ambujam Krishna Murthy, the nerval (Padambujaga Pujeya Maadi) and swara was delightful. After the pleasing Malayamarutha, the grand composition “Koluvaiyunnade” was a fantastic climax.
The raga (Bhairavi) was very evocative and the swara prasthara was interesting. A Uga Bhoga (Malagi Padidare) was followed by a devine devaranama “Harismarane Mado” and concluded with a Abhang.
The concert was at once a connoisseurs delight and reflection of the artiste’s musical personality. Though violinist Rajeev and mridangist Sairam – were not familiar, they supported well with Purushotham on Khanjari.
Homage to Raja Rao
L Raja Rao (1909-1979) was not only a senior Veena player but also an able teacher and author of books. An award has been established in his memory, which is presented to a veteran artiste every year.
This year’s ‘Veena Raja Rao National Award’ was conferred to veteran musicologist Dr R Satyanarayana on Saturday. Saketh Raman, who is climbing the ladder of success in great speed, gave a vocal concert that included compositions of L Raja Rao.
“Jaya Janakeekantha” of Purandaradasa was a pleasant start that helped to bring in a musical atmosphere.
He immediately chose the enlivening Sriranjini. Another popular Kruthi of Tyagaraja, “Marubalka,” was rendered with nerval (Darinerigi Santasillinatti) and crisp swara. He came out in full colours which vindicated his talent. ‘Manodharma’ was also a delight to music lovers.
Kannada devaranama ‘Rama Rama Enniro’ and a composition of L Raja Rao “Karuna Judavaiah” were also impressive. Vithal Rangan on violin, K U Jayachandra Rao on mridanga and Omkar on ghata were supported well.