Amritha Sankaranarayanan - A Rising Star - 9.12.2010

[kssr]

I was in Chennai for just a couple of days, primarily to attend a wedding, also connected to a senior musician. I squeezed in a concert. My curiosity in listening to this young artist was rewarded with a wholly satisfactory musical experience.

Kum.Amritha Sankaranarayanan- Vocal
Sri.B. Ananthakrishnan- Violin
Sri. R.Sankaranarayanan- Mridangam
At Srinivasa Shastri Hall, Mylapore by Shanthi Arts Foundation
GNB Memorial series

1. Maha Ganapathim- Nattai- Swaram
2. Paahimaam sri Rajarajeswari- Janaranjani
3. Abhaya Varade Sharade- Hindolam- Ragam, Swaram
4. Samana Rahithe- Saranga tharangini- GNB-Elaborate Ragam, Swaram
5. Thanayuni Brova- Bhairavi- Ragam, Neraval @ Vatsamu
6. Vandaai En Manam Puhundaai- Virutham in Hamsanandi followed by
Srinivasa Tiruvenkatamudayaan.
7. Nee naamame (all naamams govinda, gopala, krishna, rama, hari, hari, hari, etc) in Madhyamavathi.

It was a 2 hour concert. Right from start the presentation had authority and total confidence. The voice had a powerful throw which ensures our attention. Special mention should be made about the Saranga tharangini (name announced by artist) ragam and swaram. It was so absorbing and touching although not a "familiar" ragam.

One can say that overall it is a sort of masculine presentation. Not in a negative way. Nor was it a loud A.S. way. It was a heavy mature flawless presentation.

A bit amusing about the hand, face and body gestures closely resemling her father (TVS, for those who have not guessed). I wonder why she is kept under wraps for so long. She is definitely a rising star and there must be many more opportunities for her in this and coming seasons.

R.Sankaranarayanan on mridangam was very impressive as well and added value to the concert. Ananthakrishnan on violin was satisfactory.

Here is a picture I managed to capture using my mobile.

[grsastrigal]

She is T.V.Shankaranarayanan's daugther. I could not attend this but attended
few of her previous concerts. Pleasant voice and good reach. Few slips and control
in ragas. But, she will improve by the time since she is in safe hands of her father.

Bairavi and that kriti is patented by TVS. I have a recording of her
father, Shri TVS, in Bangalore where he mesmarised kalayani (Nambikkettavarillaro
rangayyana..) followed by this kriti. His varieties of bhava in the word "ina kulottama"
still rings in my ears.

In short- MMI G-3

As the meaning of the Pallavi goes "Would the mother come to protect her child or
would the child approach the mother ?" I think Shri MMI would approach and bless
these kids to carry the torch of MMI's traditon and of course the ashirvadams of
her father.


His son is also singing in concerts and it is also very good. Chits are going to him
to sing "English note"...

[kssr]

This particular concert did not present itself as a MMI G3. I liked it this way.

After the conclusion of Amritha's concert, TVS himself sang in the senior slot, with his son Mahadevan providing vocal support. I am not intending to make a detailed review. But I should mention that the main items Shanmughapriya (Valli Naayakane) and Mohanam (Mohana Raama) were rendered in a masterly way. I got the feeling that mridangam vidwan Sri. Srimushnam Raja Rao, drew TVS out of his "standard" format and enthused him to demonstrate the true artist's creativity. The final passages of swaraprasthara in both the major ragas, were a teasing low volume glitter of rapid swaras, getting enlarged to a colourful shower. (Got an image of the flower pot during deepavali). Felt privileged to have an opportunity to listen to the concert. Ticket for both concerts Rs.30 per person!!

[ksrimech]

6. Vandaai En Manam Puhundaai- Virutham in Hamsanandi

This is a beautiful pAsuram by tirumangaiyAzhvAr.

periya tirumozhi (01.10.09) - kannAr kaDal suzh padigam
vandAy en manam pugundAy manni ninRAy
nandAda kozhunjsudarE engaL nambI
sintAmaNiyE tiruvEnkaDam mEya
endAy ini yAn unnai enRum vidEnE.

[kssr]

Thanks. What lyrical beauty indeed. I sometimes feel that these great Tamizh literary works, probably incl. Kamba Ramayanam, do not get their rightful place in literature, as they are considered to be "religious" works. If Tamizh scholars (if any) and religious teachers bring out simple Urai instead of going into complex vedic interpretations, it will help the cause of both literature and religion.