U. Srinivas and Rajesh - Mandolin - 03/28 SIFA Bay Area CA

[vinsim]

It was a houseful Sunday afternoon concert, with some people standing alongside the walls. I guess it is not everyday that somebody of U.Srinivas' stature plays in the Bay area.

This was the song list to the best of my recollection
1. Varna - Sri
2. Kanakangi - Thyagaraja comp
3. Brochevarevare - Sriranjini
4. Entha Muddo - Bindumalini
5. Kalyani RTP - with ragamalika
6. Jagadhodharana - Kapi
7-10 - various short pieces

The concert began with a bright Sri raga varna. Every note was sparkling and set the mood for the concert. The next item was #1 melakartha raga, which was a revelation to me, as I was hearing it for the first time. U.Srinivas pulled off some amazing swaras towards the end. Brochevarevare was played a bit hurriedly with no alapana. Then came the usual Bindumalini. I liked the youtube version (young U. Srinivas) better.

After a 10 min break, he announced he'd be playing RTP in Kalyani, which had me anticipating the magic he wove in an Kalyani RTP in an old concert with Ramani (can be found on sangeethapriya). The alapana went on for 20 mins, in which I though he did great justice to this great raga. Tanam and pallavi were excellent too - U Rajesh lent able support. The Tani between mridangam and ghatam was excellent too. The RTP ended in 1 hr, almost like clockwork.

The last part of the concert didn't do much for me. Kapi was so-so and the rest were unheard.

Overall, I had a good time. Wish he would play an elaborate sub-main or two next time.[update][/update]

[arasi]

vinsim,
You have a lot of music going on in your area. Please keep the reviews coming!

[semmu86]

Vinism , just a small request to add the accompanists name too . Thanks

[bilahari]

I like that the brothers play an RTP as the main. But yes, a submain would've been nice. Was bindumAlini not treated with R,S?

[bilahari]

BTW, vinsim, please list the name of the accompanists.

[vinsim]

The accompanists were
M. Swaminathan - Mrudangam
S.V. Ramani - Ghatam

Bilahari, yes Bindumalini had R,S...but I was left with a feeling of wanting more. I guess that is better than the feeling of "enough...I can't take it anymore!"

Arasi, yes, we have a lot of music coming our way in Bay area (though nothing compared to Chennai or Bangalore). Will try to post reviews of all concerts I attend.

[bilahari]

I know exactly what you mean, vinsim... I felt that way with the SD concert too.