Soothing strains on the saxophone

Koel Music - KDI 096 - Compact Disc - Carnatic Classical Instrumental - Saxophone - Sax Carnatica - Kadri Gopalnath - Price Rs. 300/-.

SAX CARNATICA is the title for the compact disc of Kadri Gopalnath released by Koel Music, Pune.

A. Kanyakumari (violin), Denkanikottai V. Mani (thavil), V. Suresh (ghatam) and B. Rajasekar (morsing) are the accompanists.

`Yochana' of Tyagaraja in Durbar with all instrumental trappings with the accompanists enthusiastically joining in the fray, does make for a lively beginning.

Simhavahini is a derivative of the 27th Mela, Sarasangi. A brief alapana by the artiste and the violinist paved the way for Tyagaraja's `Nenarunchara,' that had animation as its bottomline, would appeal no end to those who have a penchant for sensation.

`Neevadanegana' in Saranga by Tyagaraja was an up-to-the-mark rendition, considering the limitations of the instrument.

Gopalnath did himself proud in the delineation of Kapi with sweet, soothing statements that were arresting.

The violinist, equal to any challenge, graces her brief delineation with attractive phrases.

A Purandaradasa Devarnama `Krishna Baro' has a tuneful lilt and is played with a mellow charm.

Subhapanthuvarali is explored at length in the various registers and is a free flowing exercise, mirroring the mood of the raga. Kanyakumari replies briefly but pertinently.

`Emmalluyurake', a lovely composition of Tyagaraja, is indicative of the artiste's predilection to melody, without always indulging in pyrotechnics that at times tend to tire.

The swara passages in the charanam are well organised with both the players exhibiting their performing skills in the thara sthayi shadja kuraippu that had a bright solpha finale.

The percussionists tani avartanam with variegated laya expressions is an ardent display to raise the momentum of the concert.

A couple of bhajans in Misra Mohana and Sindhubhairavi and the traditional Magudi are glowing end pieces to a sincere, satisfying performance by KadriGopalnath.

- S.P.

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