Hanuman Jayanthi concert
Senior musician S Shankar presented a vocal recital under the aegis of Malleswaram Sangeetha Sabha as part of Hanuman Jayanthi celebrations.
Shankar's Kedaragowla set the tune for a steady pace, his striking voice giving the well-tailored varna a touch of class. "Panchamatanga" was a good selection - especially in the initial stage of the concert. "Anjikinyatakayya" is always a good devotional and "Bhajare Re" is another familiar kruthi.
"Ramanatham Bhajeham," with brief alapana and nerval, was also pleasing. In the composition "Manasu Svadhinamaina" Saint Tyagaraja says - "To the man of wisdom who has absolute control over his mind, what need is 'Mantra' (or yogic practices)?"
The Shankarabharana alapana, nerval (Aa janmamu durvishaya rahi tumi ki) and swaraprasthara steered the concert to a sparkling course. Nalina Mohan, B K Chandramouli and G Guru Prasanna - gave good support on violin, mridanga and khanjari, respectively.
**************************************************************
Needs improvisation
Radhika Chaitanya, who presented an Odissi dance recital for Bangalore Lalithakala Parishat, has practised both Odissi and Bharatanatya styles. She has learnt Bharatanatya under B Bhanumathi and has passed Vidwath examination and has performed in many places also. She is continuing her Odissi training under Sarita Mishra, senior dancer of Bangalore. Radhika also teaches young aspirants at her school, Dharini.
Radhika opened her programme with Mangalacharan, customarily. It was followed by the well-known sloka "Manikya Veena," in which Devi is described as the one who plays Veena and enjoys music.
Pallavi in Shankarabharana demands fine movements, though her Nritta had little depth. In Guru Gangadhar Pradhan's lyrics Sakhi warns Radha that her (Radha's) love with Krishna has become talk of the town! The denouement in Radhika's characterisation stood out for its neat choreography, though her facials came alive only in parts, and fell short in its overall appeal. She concluded with Mahakali, followed by a Mangala sloka.
Radhika has to reduce her weight a little which may help her movements and make her abhinaya more impactful. After all, the body itself is construed as a vehicle of expression. As she is deeply interested in dance, and a sincere practitioner, it may not be difficult for her to receive higher training and equip herself.
**************************************************************
Appealing vocal
Every one knows Dr K Radhakrishnan as an internationally acclaimed scientist.
For a welcome change he presented himself as a musician on Saturday evening. As a Carnatic vocalist, on the platform of MES Kalavedi, he regaled a well-attended gathering. Padmabhushan awardee Dr Radhakrishnan has learnt from several stalwarts including Dr R K Srikantan, and is still continuing his practice under Vidwan R S Ramakanth and has been trained in dance (Kathakali) also.
"Viriboni," the celebrated varna in Bhairavi, gave Dr Radhakrishnan a bright start in the concert. By changing the speed from "Ethugade," he added more pep to the opening piece and "Vatapi" is an ever popular invocatory composition.
Then he presented a number of well-known compositions in different ragas and languages. For instance, "Makelara Vicharamu" lent a nostalgic appeal to the
enjoyable fare. "Deva Deva" is another popular keerthana of Swati Tirunal.
In the Athana composition, Tyagaraja appeals - "O Bala! Why your grace eludes me? Do come in all your majesty adorned by royal ornaments... Let me submerge in the divine tranquility."
Dr Radhakrishnan sang this with deep involvement. Kannada devaranama "Krishna Muruthi" and the devotional "Yenati Nomu" - are favourites of connoisseurs always.
From the treasure chest of Tyagaraja, he also chose "Rama Katha Sudha" and sang enjoying himself. In the end of the concert, "Mamava Mamava" and "Vandanamu" - were also pleasing.
Seasoned instrumentalists Dr R Raghuram (violin), B K Chandramouli (mridanga) and A S N Swamy (khanjari) - gave enthusiastic response, throughout the concert. Dr Radhakrishnan tried his best to bring out the emotional appeal of both composition and the music.
**************************************************************
Senior musician S Shankar presented a vocal recital under the aegis of Malleswaram Sangeetha Sabha as part of Hanuman Jayanthi celebrations.
Shankar's Kedaragowla set the tune for a steady pace, his striking voice giving the well-tailored varna a touch of class. "Panchamatanga" was a good selection - especially in the initial stage of the concert. "Anjikinyatakayya" is always a good devotional and "Bhajare Re" is another familiar kruthi.
"Ramanatham Bhajeham," with brief alapana and nerval, was also pleasing. In the composition "Manasu Svadhinamaina" Saint Tyagaraja says - "To the man of wisdom who has absolute control over his mind, what need is 'Mantra' (or yogic practices)?"
The Shankarabharana alapana, nerval (Aa janmamu durvishaya rahi tumi ki) and swaraprasthara steered the concert to a sparkling course. Nalina Mohan, B K Chandramouli and G Guru Prasanna - gave good support on violin, mridanga and khanjari, respectively.
**************************************************************
Needs improvisation
Radhika Chaitanya, who presented an Odissi dance recital for Bangalore Lalithakala Parishat, has practised both Odissi and Bharatanatya styles. She has learnt Bharatanatya under B Bhanumathi and has passed Vidwath examination and has performed in many places also. She is continuing her Odissi training under Sarita Mishra, senior dancer of Bangalore. Radhika also teaches young aspirants at her school, Dharini.
Radhika opened her programme with Mangalacharan, customarily. It was followed by the well-known sloka "Manikya Veena," in which Devi is described as the one who plays Veena and enjoys music.
Pallavi in Shankarabharana demands fine movements, though her Nritta had little depth. In Guru Gangadhar Pradhan's lyrics Sakhi warns Radha that her (Radha's) love with Krishna has become talk of the town! The denouement in Radhika's characterisation stood out for its neat choreography, though her facials came alive only in parts, and fell short in its overall appeal. She concluded with Mahakali, followed by a Mangala sloka.
Radhika has to reduce her weight a little which may help her movements and make her abhinaya more impactful. After all, the body itself is construed as a vehicle of expression. As she is deeply interested in dance, and a sincere practitioner, it may not be difficult for her to receive higher training and equip herself.
**************************************************************
Appealing vocal
Every one knows Dr K Radhakrishnan as an internationally acclaimed scientist.
For a welcome change he presented himself as a musician on Saturday evening. As a Carnatic vocalist, on the platform of MES Kalavedi, he regaled a well-attended gathering. Padmabhushan awardee Dr Radhakrishnan has learnt from several stalwarts including Dr R K Srikantan, and is still continuing his practice under Vidwan R S Ramakanth and has been trained in dance (Kathakali) also.
"Viriboni," the celebrated varna in Bhairavi, gave Dr Radhakrishnan a bright start in the concert. By changing the speed from "Ethugade," he added more pep to the opening piece and "Vatapi" is an ever popular invocatory composition.
Then he presented a number of well-known compositions in different ragas and languages. For instance, "Makelara Vicharamu" lent a nostalgic appeal to the
enjoyable fare. "Deva Deva" is another popular keerthana of Swati Tirunal.
In the Athana composition, Tyagaraja appeals - "O Bala! Why your grace eludes me? Do come in all your majesty adorned by royal ornaments... Let me submerge in the divine tranquility."
Dr Radhakrishnan sang this with deep involvement. Kannada devaranama "Krishna Muruthi" and the devotional "Yenati Nomu" - are favourites of connoisseurs always.
From the treasure chest of Tyagaraja, he also chose "Rama Katha Sudha" and sang enjoying himself. In the end of the concert, "Mamava Mamava" and "Vandanamu" - were also pleasing.
Seasoned instrumentalists Dr R Raghuram (violin), B K Chandramouli (mridanga) and A S N Swamy (khanjari) - gave enthusiastic response, throughout the concert. Dr Radhakrishnan tried his best to bring out the emotional appeal of both composition and the music.
**************************************************************