Jugalbandi by Sriram and Sanjeev

[radha bhaskar]

It was inded one of the best musical treat I had yesterday in the Jugalbandi concert of Sriram Parthasarathy and Sanjeev Abhayankar at the July Fest of Sri Krishna Gana Sabha. What was special about the duo combination was that they shared the same level of excellence in many aspects - voice quality, range and modulation, the energy level, manodharma aspects, an attitude to absorb and appreciate the best of both systems, the zeal to exhibit their talent to the best but at the same time give space for the other to also excel in his domain..Finally,while both belong to the young generation and are bubbling with fresh and innovative ideas, they have their own ideologies and convictions about music and that blossomed well throughout the concert. While in most Jugalbandis, one shows the way and the other follows it or most part is meticulously pre-planned, here in contrast, most things seemed extempore and that created the thrill and excitement among the audience as to what would come next from this duo. While it was really entertaining as a whole, it was more an enlightment on the beauty of each note that adorns a raga and how the notes and their microtones can really make a raga a very beautiful picture. One could feel at every juncture the fine sensitivity of the artists to sruti and the subtlity of our great classicla music.
The ragas taken up were Yaman and Malkauns and as it was past nine, the duo had to end abruptly,leaving the audience asking for more.
Altogether, it was a scintillating and sublimating concert and I think rasikas who could not make it to the concert really missied something worthwhile.

[Nick H]

Sadly, although I was recommended to see this concert, I'm among those who missed.

It sounds to have been everything that a jugalbandi could and should be.

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Respected Radha Bhaskar Madam,

I have also attended the Jugalbandi concert of Sri Sriram Parthasarathy and
Sri Sanjeev Abhyankar on 28.06.2010 at the KGS.

You have expressed more than what I would have mentioned about the excellent concert.

Two aspects which struck me most were,

1. Some of the sancharas in Yaman – Kalyani Raagam and in Malkuans – Hindolam were breathtaking by both the Artists.
2. The Samaja vara gamana krithi was sung very melodiously by Sanjeev Abhyankar.

I hope that more concerts of these artists will be performed at Chennai during
2010 December music season [Including in your Sabha].

S.NAGESWARAN.
04.07.2010.