Tuesday, May 16, 2017

2017 May - Amrita Murali Concert

Vocal - Amrita Murali
Violin – R.K. Shriramkumar
Mridangam – Arun Prakash

President Trump is a head scratcher even for hardened conservatives.  Sure many Americans were disheartened by the corruption in Washington, deadlock in Congress, sky high deficit and deep polarization in the country.  Many in the country were downright angry at the establishment.  We definitely needed a change.  We needed a leader who can unite the country, break up the log jam and get things done.  But, Trump?!  It seems like we are hitting a new low every day.  Where are we headed – international disgrace, impeachment, escalation of conflicts around the world?  Where are the leaders in this great nation?  I would love for this nation’s youngsters to be motivated to take leadership roles and bring creative solutions.  In Bhagavad Geetha, Lord Krishna talks to Arjuna about Karma Yoga which is the practice of selfless service.  One may disagree with India’s PM Narendra Modi as he is not perfect.  It takes a lot to grow in Indian politics.  But Modi is definitely trying hard to fit the mold of being a Karma Yogi.  King Janaka is another role model serving the kingdom as a Raja Rishi, an ascetic while being a king.  Is there a Karma Yogi or a Raja Rishi out there willing to enter US politics?

Alright – enough of my lamenting.  While the politics can make your heart sink, a concert like Amrita Murali’s can be very healing.  Let me start with the last song first – Kurai Onrum Illai which means there is no shortcoming which aptly describes the concert.  I am not sure if it is just me, the concert put me in a meditative mood.  Thought there were some fast numbers during the concert the slow ones stood out.  I was never a fan of Todi in afternoon concerts but Smt. Amrita’s rendition was a spiritual experience.  She was not afraid to experiment throughout the concert.  The slow rendition of a song in Hindolam was fascinating.  Amrita’s voice was bold, confident, and rich which captivated the entire audience.  The team as a whole was highly skilled and I would say they were evenly skilled and most importantly they came together for an awesome listener experience.  Clearly one of the best concerts I have attended.  If Amrita comes to your town give her a try you won’t be disappointed.  Let us go to song by song discussion.

Shankaram abhirami in Maya Malawa Gowle/AdiFree flowing rendition in a very mature voice. Swaras were fantastic. Violin showed his experience. Awesome start

Orajupu jo- Kannada Gowle/Adi – What confidence.  Just blown away  

Paratpara in Vachaspathe/Adi – Excellent alapana showing control over voice and command over raga.  Amrita brought out a lot of energy from the inside. Neraval in “Ari Ayanum kaana” kept the audience captivated and the swaras were well rendered. 

Neerajakshi kamakshi in Hindolam/Tisra Ekam – Got us in a meditative mood.  Mridangam played using just the thoppi for a while matching the mood.  Sounded like vilambit in Hindustani. 

Nannu kalla dalli in Kesari/Adi – Brisk number. Good mix of speeds handled by the artists 

Main Piece: Ninne Namminanu Sadaa in Todi/Mishra chapu – I usually like Todi in evening concerts as many artists have put me to sleep with Todi in afternoon concerts.  But this team made me change my mind with their genuine love for the ragam.  It was very meditative and flawless with remarkable control in slow speeds.  Mridangam was very inspiring.  Slow and deliberate neraval on “kancha dalayakshi kamakshi” showed control and thorough enjoyment by the artists which in turn led to our enjoyment. 

Sharaday karunanidhe in Hamir Kalyani/Mishra chapu – This is a favorite ragam for many even the ones who are not Carnatic rasikas.  Nice rendition 

RTP in Kapi with a special pallavi that is apt for Mother's Day.  I did not quite understand the technicalities presented but it was pleasing.  Nice ragamalika section – with my favorite Dwijawanthi. 

Jagado Dharana in Kapi/adi (2) – Heart touching rendition 

Finished the concert with a ragamalika song, a bhajan on Panduranga, a Bengali song and finally Kurai Onrum Illai.  Many of these songs were popularized by MS Amma.