Vid. Vinay Sharva is an young artiste who has carved a niche for himself. He has developed a good style of singing. Perfect alliance with shruthi and laya, the deep gamakas and an emotive rendering creates an impact on the listeners. The vast manodharma acquired by rigorous practice plays a crucial role in shaping him as a notable singer.

He sang at the Suttur Mutt  at the foot of Chamundi Hill on May 23 as a part of the Mutt’s Moonlight Music Programme-267. He was accompanied by Vidu. C.V. Shruthi on violin, Vid. K. Vishnuvardhan on mridanga and Vid. Srinidhi R. Koundinya on ghata.

Vid. Vinay’s preparation for this concert was very appropriate. He preferred to introduce the Katcheri system to the students who were in large number among the audience. Opening Adi tala Varna ‘Chalamela’ in the raga Natakuranji in two speeds gave a good start. ‘Vandisuvudadiyali Gananathana.’ A Devarnama of Purandara dasa in Nata Raga  came next with brisk Kalpana swaras. He had opted to sing a number of Vachanas and Devaranamas.

‘Geethava haadidarenu’ (Poorvikalyani), ‘Yaare Rangana’ (Hindola), ‘Nudidare Muthina haradanthirabeku’, Jagadoddharana (Kapi), ‘Kalabeda kolabeda’ (Yamunakalyani), ‘Deva banda namma’ (Durga) were all wrapped in pure classical attire. A good way to train the untrained ears.

The only Keertana he sang was ‘Shiva shiva enarada’, a composition of Tyagaraja in the raga Panthuvarali. His alapanas emphasised on the jeeva swaras and the deep gamakas were enjoyable. His voice can traverse  easily in the middle and higher octaves. He can bring the raga bhava even in a short sketch by striking the right note at the right time. For instance, Poorvikalyani, Hindola and Panthuvarali displayed this feature very well.

Vidu. Shruthi was equally good in displaying her individual talent as well as in accompanying the main singer. Vid. Vishnuvardhan and Vid. Srinidhi gave very good percussion support and enhanced the musical experience.

Pre-eminent pageantry of Violin Family

Violin trio at Ganabharathi

Ganabharathi had arranged an excellent violin trio in memory of Vidu. G.S. Kamala on May 24. Three members of the same family, Vid. H.K. Narasimhamurthy (HKN), his son Vid. H.N. Bhaskar and his daughter Vidu. Pruthvi Bhaskar were the artisites of the day. This programme, that was held at Veene Seshanna Bhavana confirmed the presence of the ‘Parur style’ of playing at Mysuru.

HKN is one of our most senior violinist. Bhaskar is the most sought-after violinist all through the country. Pruthvi is a very promising and upcoming artiste of the day. They were accompanied by double mridanga by Vid. G.S. Ramanujam and Vid. A. Radhesh.

The concert started with ‘Neranammithi’, a Varna in the raga Kanada. The unique style was evident. The uniformity in their playing was striking. After paying obeisance to Lord Ganapathi in ‘Sri Gananatham Bhajare’ (Eshamanohari – Dikshitar), they  opted to play a short sketch of Varali, that led to a Papanasam Sivan’s popular composition ‘Ka va va’. Tyagaraja’s ‘Eccharikaga rara’ in Yadukulakambodhi was soothing.

Bhaskar is so well experienced that he is adept in striking a note in the heart of listeners. He is pretty cool and confident of its result! He could simply bring out the raga rasa when he played raga Lalitha. A style that emphasised on the classicism with  a touch of subtle nuances.

‘Hiranmayeem Lakshmim’ by Muthuswami Dikshitar was a rendition with perfection. The neraval and Kalpana swaras only enhanced the beauty of the composition. After ‘Edari sancharintura’ (Shruthiranjani – Tyagaraja), the main raga of the day Kharaharapriya was taken for elaboration.

The trio contributed in their own way for the pleasure of rasikas. Evergreen Keertana ‘Pakkala nilabadi’, needless to say was superb. Tani avarthana of Ramanujam and Radhesh was lively. ‘Narayanathe Namo namo’ (Behag) and a Mand Thillana of Lalgudi Jayaraman brought the curtains down to a  marvelous concert.

—Dr. Rama V. Bennur