Sri Vani Vidya Kendra
Reputed scholar and teacher Dr T S Satyavathi gave a fine vocal concert here last week. Sujana Jeevana _ was a popular composition during the previous decades. Satyavathi’s rendering of the Kriti recalled those old memories.

The elaboration of Marivere seemed to maintain a neat balance between art and scholarship. The Nee Dayarada was another fine selection. She developed Mohana gracefully. With a meaningful nerval and well-known swaraprasthara, she unfolded the raga leisurely. The swara, with different combinations _ especially around Daivatha was quiet interesting. While Nalina Mohan gave good support on violin, Trivandrum Vaidyanathan on Mrudanga betrayed the expectations. Vyasa Vittala on Khanjari and Ashwini Sateesh as co-singer — supported the main artist.

Vocal recital

Vijayalakshmi Subramanyam who gave a vocal concert here on Friday, is not a stranger to music lovers of Bangalore. She had chosen a number of good compositions in different ragas. Though Saveri is a pleasing raga, the rendition was not fully evocative. But the presentation of Paridana and Ramachandra was good. The Yenu Dhanyalo Lakshmi  had popular appeal. She also sang Chidambara Nataraja and Narasimha Mammava — neatly. But the Pallavi fell short of expectation. She was well supported by Nalina Mohan, H S Sudhindra and Sukanya Ramagopal on violin, mridanga and ghata, respectively.

Mysore Baani

Mysore is known for Veena and Mysore Baani is one of the prominent school of Veena. Prof Rajalakshmi Tirunarayanan is not just a veteran Veena player but also an important Vainiki of Mysore style of Veena. In her concert for the Samithi, she chose a Pallavi as the

piece-de-resistance of the concert, to enhance the stature of the programme. The Kalyani raga really sparkled and glistened on veena. Thana — the speciality of Veena – in the traditional raga Panchaka, came out as a haunting melody. Ragas — Naata, Gowla, Shree, Arabhi, Varali — with powerful Meetu an atmosphere of joy was built. The Pallavi (Hare Rama Govinda) with its impeccable Laya, was rendered in all its majesty. The Ragamalika Swara further enhanced the impact. Her daughter Meera Raghu, as a co-player, shared the honours with her mother. Devaranama (Tunga Teera Viharam) and Tillana (Veena Seshanna) — were also played with good feeling. Papanasam R Kumar and Dayananda Mohite — accompanied on Mridanga and Ghata.

Pleasing vocal duo

In the same venue, well-known vocal duo Shanmukha Priya and Hari Priya (Priya sisters) were accompanied on violin by M A Krishnaswamy on Mridanga by P Satish Kumar and on Khanjari by Vyasa Vittala. Heightened with a sleek neraval (Bhamamani) and swara passages, the aesthetic articulation in Ramakatha Sudha at once registered the prowess and competence of Priya sister’s vocalism. An elaborate treatment of Madhyamavati raga, lent a dignified air. Bagayanaiah and Ranjani both accented in a Lively gait. The devotional Tirumalagiri Raya was also appealing.

Musical evening

Sree Jayarama Seva Mandali’, Jayanagar, had organised Nagaswara, Jugalbandi, Sugam Sangeeth, percussion ensemble and dance, in connection with the Ramotsava celebrations. Both the selection and presentation of Gayathri Venkataraghavan here, kept the listener’s interest high. Marivere was the first composition to receive a detailed airing, accounting for a composite picture of the krithi and raga. She selected a less known composition in the popular raga. Thus Nadachi Nadachi was noted for its classical tint and dignified gait. The Alapana embellished with lovely phrases, was equally absorbing. In between — Manavyalara, Ramadayachudave, Rama Rama Enniro, Sharanu Sakaloddara— were rendered with aplomb. In her sweet voice, Gayathri sang with good feeling and pleased the gathering. Charulatha Ramanujam and C Cheluvaraj accompanied her on violin and mridanga.

Composer’s treat

There are very few woman composers in Indian music and the latest addition to the small list is Sudha Rama Rao.
A well-known social worker and philanthropist Sudha has learnt vocal and has also passed the music examination and she has won prizes in Mysore Dasara, which she received from the then Chief Minister. She is the wife of Dr A H Rama Rao (president, National Education Society) and mother of two children. She is leading a very simple life and being a connoisseur attends all the major Music programmes, that will be held in the city.

Now, Sudha has composed 30 songs and all of them are devotionals. They are on different Gods like Venkateswara, Saraswathi, Raghavendra Swamy and so on. It is in a simple language but with meaningful words. Popular musician vidwan R K Padmanabha has composed attractive music for all these songs.

These songs are now published in both book and CD forms. Dr Mathur Krishna Murthy, Director, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan will release the book  Bhakthi Kusuma on Thursday (May 1), 10.30 am at the Dr H N Kalakshetra, Jayanagar. Well-known educationalist and secretary, G R Educational Institutions, Dr Geetha Ramanujam and veteran philanthropist K N Lalithamma — will participate as chief guests. R K Padmanabha will present Sudha’s compositions in vocal.