|
|
|
T.V. Sankaranarayanan
in great form
By T.M. Anantharaman |
Padmabushan and Sangeetha Kalanidhi Sri T.V.Sankaranarayanan
(TVS) was in great form singing for the Thyagaraja-Purandaradasa
Aaradhana festival of the Girinagara Sangeetha Sabha
in Bangalore on Sunday evening (February 24, 2008).
It was a small crowd as crowds go for a TVS concert
but that didn't deter the artiste and his son Sankaran
Mahadevan (who gave vocal support) from providing
a veritable feast of memorable music that will be
cherished for long by listeners.
|
 |
TVS began with the crisp Thyagaraja
composition "Sri Raghukula" in Hamsadwani
and sang it with the usual verve. As is his wont,
he carved out delectable swara patterns, enriching
the scope and content of theme for the listener.
Son Sankaran Mahadevan came into his own,
lending vocal support especially in the next kriti
of Thyagaraja "Rama Bakthi Samrajya" in
raga Suddha Bangala. Perhaps for the first time
in many years, such elaborate, lilting kalpana swara
patterns were effortlessly created for this song
in tandem by the father and son duo. What made the
rendering truly enjoyable was the alert and pleasing
violin support by Bangalore-based young violinist
B.K.Raghu. He showed his gifted-talent in abundant
measure throughout the concert.
TVS sang raga Vasantha and Thyagaraja kriti "Seethamma"
with usual gusto but somehow this and the Atana
piece of Purandaradasa "Sagala graha palamu
neeney" that followed didn't register much.
Then came the surprise packet of the evening. It
was simply a superb exposition of raga Kalyani by
son Sankaran Mahadevan, who displayed both a great
grasp of the heart-tugging feel for the beauty of
the raga and also a rich sweeping imagination backed
by a voice which, with its natural 'ravais",
could traverse the octaves with ease. At the end,
it was simply amazing
that a youngster could sing with so much of confidence.
Come to think of it, this he must be getting it
from his illustrious father TVS, no doubt! The Purandaradasa
composition "Nambi kettavar ellavo Rangaiyanaa"
in misra chapu tala was engrossingly captivating,
sung as it was with a lot of grace and charm, especially
in the neraval phase in "pankaja lochana",
and the awesome flow of kalpana swaras that left
one amazed.
This was followed by a casual and none-too-impressive
Jayamanohari piece of Thyagaraja "Nee Bakthi
baagya sudha". But TVS hit the high spots as
it were next when he sang a brilliantly evocative
Kambodhi raga stamped every inch in style and reminiscent
of his guru Sri Madurai Mani Iyer. It seemed he
was fully immersed in the devotional grandeur of
the raga and this was confirmed when he took the
Thyagaraja kriti "Maa Janaki", an all-time
favourite of his guru. As TVS and his son unfurled
sangathis and swaras, the melodic violin of Raghu
providing added lustre, the listeners were transported
to higher planes of musical fulfillment.
Young Sankaran Mahadevan then etched out a Kapi
raga that was brilliant in design and texture, especially
in the upper reaches of the octave. The brigha-filled
sweeps were simply breath-taking at times and yet
adorably sweet. Thayarajas's memorable "Inta
Sowkya" was sung by father and son superbly,
especially noteworthy were the swaras which gushed
forth abundantly like the myriad-coloured spout
from a water-fountain in full flow.
The Thani avardhanam by Vidwan V. Krishna on the
mridangam and Omkara on the ghatam was rousing and
their robust playing was well appreciated by the
audience. All in all, TVS and son Sankaran Mahadevan
provided true enjoyment with their lively and imaginative
approach to classical music. Long live this genre,
who is truly committed to the art form and who invariably
leave an unforgettable mark on the listener.
Post your comments
Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail
|
|
|
|
|
|
