It is common nowadays for vocalists to sing alapana for every song. Nithyashree Mahadevan, endowed with a rich voice, rendered compositions on Rama and Anjenyar with élan.
Her concert for Hanumath Jayanthi fest at Nanganallur Anjaneyar temple was an aural treat. Nithya’s rendition of ‘Rama Rama’ by Muthuswamy Dikshitar in Darbar was based on aesthetics and innovation. ‘Ramaswamy Thoothan Nanada’ in Mohanam by Arunachalakavirayar had resplendent sancharas.
The diadem of the recital was an elaborate delineation of the 22nd Melakartha raga, Karaharapriya, for ‘Chakkani Raja’ by Tyagaraja. The alapana was like a whiff of fresh air which floated in the air with the fragrance of ‘Chakkani Raja’, the niraval ‘Kantiki Sundara’ and breezy swara passages.
Her classic rendition of a popular ragamalika with 16 ragas - Ragathil Sirantha Ragamethu - was par excellence as she swiftly glided from one raga to the other with style.
M A Krishnaswamy on the violin showcased his rich musical lineage - he is the son of violin virtuoso M S Anantharaman.
I Sivakumar on the mridangam followed his daughter-vocalist truly.
Madipakkam Murali on the ghatam was a class apart. The tani of Sivakumar and Murali encompassed a pattern of rhythmic inputs.
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