Sri Krishna Gana Sabha of Gokulam, Mysuru, had organised a fine Hindusthani Vocal Concert at its Alwar Kala Bhavana on the 16th of June. Sponsored by Dr. C.G. Narasimhan and family, this concert was indeed a good encouragement to a deserving, upcoming young singer.

Siddhartha Belmannu, who hails from the land of Sri Krishna, Udupi, is a promising artiste. Following the footsteps of his mentor Pandit Vinayaka Torvi, Siddhartha is on the right track of becoming a full-fledged classical singer. 

A vibrant and energetic voice that successfully transforms his musical thoughts with a good stamina is a boon to him. The open-throated singing and the simple and straight designs from swara to swara makes his gayaki pleasing. The restless vitality is maintained throughout the concert. 

He was accompanied by senior Harmonium and Tabla players of Mysuru, Veerabhadriah Hiremath and Bhimashankar Bidanur. The concert began with Rag Yamankalyan. The deep and resonant voice captured the listeners instantaneously when he began the alap in the lower octave in a leisurely manner. 

After a while, the expansion continued with a bandish set to Ek Tal ‘Kaahe sakhi kiseki kariye.’ The Taans and sargam unveiled the beauty of Yaman kalyan in his resonant voice. His creativity came alive for the pleasure of listeners. The elaborative aspect of singing Khyal with tans, showcased his proficiency. Gradually, the speed increased and lead to Dhruth. ‘Sham bajave aaj muraliya’ and ‘Yeri aali piya bina’ the cascade of notes followed to end with a crescendo. Rasikas were drenched in Yaman kalyan for more than an hour. 

Rag Meghmalhar was his next choice. After an impressive sketch of the raga, he continued with a suitable bandish ‘Garajhath ghat saare’ in Jhap Tal. ‘Barkha ritu aaye savariya’ was yet another appropriate bandish to suit the rag. He could easily bring out the rag bhav in his short alap of rag Sohni. ‘Ja jare jare balma’ (Teen Tal) a lively composition was beautifully improvised in a fast tempo. 

The taans and the tarana both were in super speed.  The notes he rolled off exhibited a stunning stamina and clarity. The clear enunciation and the emotion in the Vachana ‘Maadi maadi kettaro manavillade’ made it more enjoyable. The concert ended with a Marathi abhang in Bhairavi. The medley of ragas he sang were a bit unusual for Hindusthani singers. 

Veerabhadriah Hiremath and Bhimashankar Bidanur gave a commendable support on the Harmonium and Tabla. 

Siddharth Belmannu has a bright future. He only needs to check the overall speed.

By Dr. Rama V. Bennur