Homage to Tyagaraja

THE TIRUMALA Tirupati Devasthanams Information Centre, T.Nagar, celebrated Tyagaraja `aradhana' at its auditorium on January 20. The celebration comprised the rendition of the Pancharathna kirtanas of the composer by a group of musicians, artistes and accompanists. Their devotional recital in a disciplined style evoked keen audience listening.

Sustained chamber quality

Featured by Sravanam, the recital of T.N. Krishnan on the violin was a delightful demonstration of his experience as a versatile violinist capable of conveying Carnatic music in a deep style of instrumental artistry.

The artiste's presentation of the opening piece, `Paramathmudu' of Thyagaraja in Vagadiswari was reposeful at a relaxed pace. The piece, `Ninnuvina' of the same composer in Navarasakannada came next in a form full of subtle instrumental embellishments. The piece, `Nijamarmamulanu' (Umabharanam) was played by Krishnan lucidly at a lively pace.

Following ``Anupama'' of Thygaraja in Atana completed with a catchy swara session, the violinist took up Hindolam for a powerful portrayal of its finer dimensions. The piece, `Samajavara' succeeded in a gleeful gait with a gratifying spell of neraval and swara exercises.

T.N. Krishnan's description of Mohanam was musically mature. The raga's fascinating features were reflected by the artiste through an insightful recital of the piece, ``Nannupalimpa'' (Thyagaraja) followed by pretty swara patterns. The recital's phases of Surati and Sindhubhairavi were profuse with details of a distilled chamber quality.

Tiruvarur Bhaktavatsalam (mridangam) and A.S. Shankar (ghatam) provided pleasing accompaniment with an appreciation of the recital's delicate progression. Their thani in the phase of Mohanam moved mainly with a metrically interesting vinyasa in the tisra gathi.

Assuring imagination

The vocal recital of Neyveli R. Santhanagopalan featured by the Asthika Samajam of Tiruvanmiyur had a convincing classical force. His performance revealed the admirable grasp of the nuances of Carnatic music. The vocalist's depiction of the piece, `Sohasugamridangatalamu' of Tyagaraja in Sriranjani was heartwarming. Santhanagopalan dwelt on the details of Kirvani with an assuring imagination of its identity. The piece, `Kaligiyunde' of Tyagaraja succeeded it in a deft version completed with cosy neraval and swara passages. Delhi P. Sundararajan's modulated accompaniment on the violin added substantially to the recital's effectiveness. Vellore Ramabhadran's soft and skilful support on the mridangam lent a special metrical charm to the recital. His superfine performance in the spell of swaras suffixed by the singer to the pieces in Sama and Kirvani enthralled the audience. B.S. Purushothaman's smart accompaniment on the kanjira was praiseworthy.

Musician felicitated

The management, staff and students of Sri Ahobila Math Oriental Higher Secondary School, West Mambalam, organised Founder's (Srimad 43rd Azhagiyasinger) Centenary Celebration Lecture on its premises before a large gathering in the presence of His Holiness Srirangam Srimad Andavan of Periasramam on January 23.

Vidushi R. Vedavalli, recipient of Sangita Kalanidhi conferred by the Music Academy was felicitated on the occasion.

- R.V.

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