Music season is here again
Yes! "Ramotsava' the music season has come back again. Ramotsava Pandals have come up all over Bengaluru and Rama Mandalies are vying with each other to conduct the cultural festival as many days as possible. Though Harikatha, gamaka, dance and even dramas are also held, it is "Sangeetha Kacheri" that are held in big numbers. Though many organisations commence Ramotsava from Rama Navami day (it is 15th of April, this year), some of them start from Yugadi itself, which is an old custom and is called "Garbha Navami."
Bengaluru's most reputed Ramotsava organisation "Sree Rama Seva Mandali" is holding the "Ramanavami National Music Festival" at Old Fort High School Grounds, which started on the Ugadi day will continue till 8th of May. The special Pandal is not only spacious but also beautiful and comfortable. Musicians feel proud and consider it a privilege to perform here and for connoisseurs it is a pleasure to attend programmes in the Mandali.
It was a grand opening for the 78th year Ramanavami Music Festival through a fine vocal concert of Bombay Jayashree Ramanath, on Friday. After the invocatory shloka on Ganesha, "Sri Saraswathi" gave a bright start to the concert. Immediately, "Rama Ninnu Nammi Na" was also reposeful. Simhendramadhyama showed her prowess and competence. In between a few Kannada devaranamas like - Sakalagrahabala Neene and Smarane Onde Saalade - also pleased the gathering. Her methodical approach to the raga with an aesthetic touch brought a composite picture of Kambodhi. Rendering of the celebrated kruthi "O Ranga Shayee" was dignified. Jayashree's vocal recital always offers something to cogitate upon. Her alap and thana of Bridavani for the pallavi was a treat, meandering over the pivotal swaras alluringly.
Embar Kannan on violin follow up - especially of raga and swara was reposeful and Palladam Ravi on mridanga and B S Purushotham on khanjari, accompanied with a good understanding.
Krishna Parijatha
The story of "Sri Krishna Parijatham" is quiet popular in the Kuchipudi dance. But an attempt was made last week, to present it in the Bharathanatya style by the students of Natya Niketan.
Once Narada gave a Parijatha flower to Lord Krishna and asked him to present to his beloved person. Krishna presented it to Rukmini and Satyabhama became angry and demands to bring the Parijatha tree itself for her! But the tree though planted at Satyabhama's house, the flowers used to fall on the neighbour's (Rukmini's) house! In the Krishna-Thulabhara though Bhama offers all her jewels, it is by a single 'Tulasi dala' (leaf), Rukmini conquers, which proves the devotion of Rukmini and Satyabhama surrenders to Lord. Talented musician D S Srivatsa has brought it to Kannada successfully.
The popular episode was performed in Bharathanatya style by Vasan Sisters - Kirtana and Karuna, in 6 episodes. Pride of Satyabhama, teasing and quarrel, surrender to 'Bhakthi' - everything was performed by the sisters gracefully. They danced with ease, confidence and pleasing Abhinaya. No doubt, they have a bright future in the years to come.
While Guru Revathi Narasimhan conducted the natuvanga inspiringly, Srivathsa's music was an added attraction. Gurumurthy, Vivek Krishna, Dr Nataraja Murthy and Prasanna Kumar gave good support on mridanga, flute, violin and rhythm pad, respectively.
Yes! "Ramotsava' the music season has come back again. Ramotsava Pandals have come up all over Bengaluru and Rama Mandalies are vying with each other to conduct the cultural festival as many days as possible. Though Harikatha, gamaka, dance and even dramas are also held, it is "Sangeetha Kacheri" that are held in big numbers. Though many organisations commence Ramotsava from Rama Navami day (it is 15th of April, this year), some of them start from Yugadi itself, which is an old custom and is called "Garbha Navami."
Bengaluru's most reputed Ramotsava organisation "Sree Rama Seva Mandali" is holding the "Ramanavami National Music Festival" at Old Fort High School Grounds, which started on the Ugadi day will continue till 8th of May. The special Pandal is not only spacious but also beautiful and comfortable. Musicians feel proud and consider it a privilege to perform here and for connoisseurs it is a pleasure to attend programmes in the Mandali.
It was a grand opening for the 78th year Ramanavami Music Festival through a fine vocal concert of Bombay Jayashree Ramanath, on Friday. After the invocatory shloka on Ganesha, "Sri Saraswathi" gave a bright start to the concert. Immediately, "Rama Ninnu Nammi Na" was also reposeful. Simhendramadhyama showed her prowess and competence. In between a few Kannada devaranamas like - Sakalagrahabala Neene and Smarane Onde Saalade - also pleased the gathering. Her methodical approach to the raga with an aesthetic touch brought a composite picture of Kambodhi. Rendering of the celebrated kruthi "O Ranga Shayee" was dignified. Jayashree's vocal recital always offers something to cogitate upon. Her alap and thana of Bridavani for the pallavi was a treat, meandering over the pivotal swaras alluringly.
Embar Kannan on violin follow up - especially of raga and swara was reposeful and Palladam Ravi on mridanga and B S Purushotham on khanjari, accompanied with a good understanding.
Krishna Parijatha
The story of "Sri Krishna Parijatham" is quiet popular in the Kuchipudi dance. But an attempt was made last week, to present it in the Bharathanatya style by the students of Natya Niketan.
Once Narada gave a Parijatha flower to Lord Krishna and asked him to present to his beloved person. Krishna presented it to Rukmini and Satyabhama became angry and demands to bring the Parijatha tree itself for her! But the tree though planted at Satyabhama's house, the flowers used to fall on the neighbour's (Rukmini's) house! In the Krishna-Thulabhara though Bhama offers all her jewels, it is by a single 'Tulasi dala' (leaf), Rukmini conquers, which proves the devotion of Rukmini and Satyabhama surrenders to Lord. Talented musician D S Srivatsa has brought it to Kannada successfully.
The popular episode was performed in Bharathanatya style by Vasan Sisters - Kirtana and Karuna, in 6 episodes. Pride of Satyabhama, teasing and quarrel, surrender to 'Bhakthi' - everything was performed by the sisters gracefully. They danced with ease, confidence and pleasing Abhinaya. No doubt, they have a bright future in the years to come.
While Guru Revathi Narasimhan conducted the natuvanga inspiringly, Srivathsa's music was an added attraction. Gurumurthy, Vivek Krishna, Dr Nataraja Murthy and Prasanna Kumar gave good support on mridanga, flute, violin and rhythm pad, respectively.