On the evening of Oct. 7, under the calm glow of moonlight, Suttur Mutt, at the foot of Chamundi Hill in city, hosted its 284th concert as part of its ongoing Moonlight Music series. The night featured a captivating Jugalbandhi between two virtuosos: Vid. Kumaresh on violin and Vid. Pravin Godkhindi on the flute.

They were supported by Pt. Ravindra Yavagal on tabla and Vid. Arjun Kumar on mridanga, forming a powerhouse of rhythmic excellence.

A successful jugalbandhi hinges on mutual respect and musical synergy and this performance exemplified both. It was a true dialogue in melody, not a duel — thankfully, a jugalbandhi, not a jagalabandhi!

The concert opened with Raga Pooryakalyan (equivalent to Poorvikalyani in Karnatak music). Both artistes explored the raga with unhurried grace, showcasing ‘samyama’ — a blend of meditative focus and artistic discipline. The pure instrumental rendition, devoid of lyrics, allowed the audience to immerse deeply in the musical textures.

One of the evening’s highlights was Raga Venkatkauns, a creation of Pravin Godkhindi in memory of his father. Reminiscent of Chandrakauns and Varamu, the raga offered a hauntingly beautiful canvas, which both musicians painted with masterful strokes. Their seamless interweaving of Hindustani and Karnatak styles was both refreshing   and mesmerising.

A brief Ragamalika added a playful element to the performance, while the concluding Tani Avartana by Raveendra Yavagal and Arjun Kumar was nothing short of exhilarating. Their rhythmic jugalbandhi captivated the audience with intricate patterns and spontaneous exchanges.

It was, indeed, a musical night to remember, where moonlight and melody blended into a truly soulful experience.

—Dr. Rama V. Bennur