Enchanting Vocal and Violin Duo

By Dr. Rama V. Bennur

N.R. Mohalla Ganapathi Temple is more known for its musical activities. Started 84 years ago, it has sheltered all the concerts of N.R. Mohalla Sangeetha Sabha. The Temple recently celebrated its 85th year Jayanti in collaboration with the Sangeetha Sabha. 

The specialty of this two-day programme was two sets of Brothers  performing Vocal and Violin! Malladi Brothers — Sreeramprasad and Ravikumar — gave a fine vocal concert on Aug.19 and Mysore M. Nagaraj and Mysore M. Manjunath performed a Violin Duet on the 20th.

These illustrious brothers enchanted the audience with a fine duo. All the four sang and played in perfect unison Malladi Brothers were accompanied by H.M. Smitha on violin and B.C. Manjunath on mridanga, while Mysore Nagaraj and Manjunath were accompanied by B.C. Manjunath on mridanga and Shreeshyla on ghata.

Malladi Brothers, who are known for their large repertoire, did present a few rare kritis in rare ragas. Sreeramprasad and Ravikumar have been well groomed by illustrious exponents of Karnatak music. Their rich and powerful voice can project the nuances of any raga with ease. They possess the skill and ability to move in the sphere of a raga like a veteran. Raga Kumudapriya and Todi were a good example for this. Ravikumar could touch the heart of the listeners with his powerful and soul stirring alapana. The traditional Todi was elaborated by both of them highlighting their scholarship. That was indeed a treat. They were so immersed in music that they were oblivious of the surroundings.

The compositions they presented too carried the sahithya bhava. ‘Vara shikhi vaahana’ (Supradeepa-Tyagaraja), ‘Paahimam Shri Rajarajeshwari’ (Janaranjani-Mahavaidyanathayyar), ‘Ardhanaareeshwaram’ (Kumudakriya – Muthuswami Dikshitar), ‘Mama Hridaye’ (Reethigowla – Mysore Vasudevacharya), ‘Ninuvina gathi’ (Balahamsa – Mysore Sadashiva Rao), ‘Koluva Marakatha’ (Todi – Tyagaraja), ‘Maa Janaki’ (Kambodhi – Tyagaraja) were all pleasing.

Smitha’s violin matched perfectly with their singing. She was brilliant in her rendering of kalpana swaras. B.C. Manjunath’s alluring rhythmic patterns were enjoyable. 

Mysore Nagaraj and Dr. Manjunath are seasoned violinists of our city. Their reputation all over the world speaks of their quality of playing. The great emphasis placed on the nuances of the raga makes their concert enjoyable. They pleased the rasikas by playing very popular Keerthanas like ‘Janani Ninuvina’ (Reethigowla – Subbaraya Sastri), ‘Pankaja Lochana’ (Kalyani – Swathi Tirunal), ‘Chinnachirukiliye Kannamma’ (Ragamalike – Bharathiyar). The perfect understanding stands out in playing either the raga or the kriti. The melodic harmony captured the listeners till the end.

The most awaited part of the concert was a Raga-Taana-Pallavi set to Khanda Triputa Taala,  which was presented for the choice of ragas by the audience. And they chose Bhairavi and Kapi! ‘Nayaka Vinayaka Gana Nayaka Sakala Siddhi Pradayaka’ was presented in a combination of these two ragas and later on in each of these ragas. A dash of Saveri and Hamsanandi added pep to it.

Manjunath and Shreeshyla deserve due credits for their wonderful support on the percussive instruments.