Understanding percussion better

The aim of the festival was to highlight the role of laya and thala and to educate listeners on appreciating percussion in a better way. As part of the festival, many accomplished percussion artistes and vocalists presented exemplary concerts. The Nandi Thalavadya Academy gave one such fabulous performance under the able guidance of S V Giridhar, a well-known percussionist.

Though the concert was of a short duration, it was well-rendered and methodical. The ensemble  comprised mridangam by Giridhar, flute by Bhaskar to the accompaniments of violin, ghatam, morsing and sitar. The rendition was composed in Mohana, a ragam, which is appreciated for its beauty, pleasing pentatonic scale that can capture the mind of every listener.

Created by Giridhar, the composition was well-fitted to jathis and every instrument was used to its finest best. “Mohana raga is my one of my favourite ragas. I developed this composition specially for this occasion,’’ says Giridhar who was given the Youth Achievement Award by the Centre in the name of H Puttachar. “With all humility, I receive this award. There are people who have rendered more service to the field of music than me. Still, this award came my way which I consider a divine blessing,” he said.

After the Thalavadya ensemble, veteran vocalist Neela Ramagopal took the stage for a Carnatic vocal concert. Her singing enriched the mood of the evening. Her intense rendition went over for hours in which she presented many devotional songs like Sri Swami Nathaya Namaste, Vinutha Sutha, Vanajakshi Neene and many more.  

The last day of the festival was dedicated to honour the percussion art and artistes. Konnakal expert Trichy Thayumanavan, Vidwan Rajachar, mridangum manufacturer P V Parameshwaran were bestowed awards.