Monday, March 23, 2015

Mar 2015 - Dr. Narmada Violin Concert

Dr. Narmada d/o M. S. Gopalakroshnan - violin
Dr. Ramakrishnan - mridangam

Overall a good concert with very good audience engagement. Lots of fast numbers sprinkled through the program, especially enjoyed Raghu Vamsa Sudha with some unique variations.  Lost some momentum towards the end of concert. 

Varnam in Saveri/adi - Captivating with very nice flow. Exercised great control. It was clear that she was thoroughly enjoying herself

Siddhi vinayakam in Shanmugapriya/Rupakam - very comfortable playing style. Good use of brigas as needed. Swaras were outstanding. Showed some sampling of what can be done speedwise. Good treat

Sarasa sama dana in Kapinarayani/Adi - Lilting tune to uplift one from a low feeling. A folksy tune beautifully rendered. Nice support from mridangam

Rama bhakthi samrajya in Suddha bangala/Adi - Another fast number which gave a lot of scope for mridangam. Very nice interplay between artists. Captivated the audience

Ardhanareeswara in Kumudakriya/Rupakam - Slow meditative ragam. Alapana did not score but the song touched the hearts. Nice to hear artist rendering in Hindustani style

Raghuvamsa Sudha in Kadanaludoohalam/Adi - Always an audience favorite. A toe tapping number. Especially dynamic in a violin concert. The glides, curves, variations and the gamakams were thoroughly enjoyable. 

Mari vere in Ananda bhairavi/Mishra chapu - Fantastic alapana. Nicely rendered

Kunthalavarali/Adi - Another fast number. When is the main piece?

Mana vyala kim in Nalina kanthi/Adi - Deft handling of the bow to show the corners of the ragam during the alapana. The involvement of the artist in every song is remarkable. High speed swaras were nicely done

Theerada vilaiyattu pliiai in ragamalika/Adi tisra nadai - Well rendered

Samaja vara gamana in Hindolam/Adi - Alap was followed by a sampling of thanam, but this was not RTP. Spirited delivery, traveling through higher and higher octaves was a good treat. A little miscommunication between the artists towards the end

Thani Avardhanam - Had a nice flow and sounded majestic

Aadum Chidambaramo in Bihag/Adi - Artist picked up the microphone and sang at the end. Good touch

Concert closed with a few more songs.  Govardhana giri dhari in Darbari Kanada/Adi, Thaamarai pootha thadagamadi in Hindusthani Deva Gandhari/Adi, a folk song and finally a song in Sindu Bhairavi

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