Pantula Rama @ Chromepet Sri Ram Samaj 15 Jan

[Sivaramakrishnan]

Sree Ram Samaj in association with Chromepet Cultural Academy presented a concert of Pantula Rama on Pongal day evening as part of the annual music concert series. She was accompanied on the violin by M S N Murthy, on the Mridanga by Thanjavur Murugabhupathy and on the Ghata by Madipakkam Murali.

The Vijayawada based Rama-Murthy couple's concert was a good experience for those sub urban dwellers who missed out on theirs during the Season in the metropolis.

The concert which began with a rare Varnam Viriboni in Kedaragowla (Misrajhampa) (could anyone give information of the composer?) followed by Gananayakam (Poornashadjam), Chalamelara (Margahindolam) and Hiranmayeem in Lalitha. The 'not very often heard' Muruga Muruga in Suddha dhanyasi popularised by MLV and her disciple Charumati Ramachandran came in next afresh.The raga aalaapana was richly embellished with frills and quite enjoyable. The main kriti of the evening was the time tested Ethavunara with an elaborate Kalyani aalaapana, Niraval & Swaraprastaara. While Murthy gave brilliant support on the violin, Murugabhupathi and Murali provided spirited percussion with a meaningful Tani in 'Aadi Taalam half eduppu'. The Tukkada session included the Ashtapadi Kaapi madhuripunaa.She sang the full version of the Mangalam (Pavamaanasuthudu - sourashtram).

Pantula sings effortlessly that explains a high level of Saadhakam and imagination. But she could attempt to bring in more element of Vishraanti in rendering that would certainly contribute to value addition. Luckily she need not worry about the violinist (who in many cases add to the speed)!!

[rajeshnat]

The Vijayawada based Rama-Murthy couple's concert was a good experience for those sub urban dwellers who missed out on theirs during the Season in the metropolis.

sivaramakrishnan
Tx for your review from chromepet. Looks there are lots of concerts lined up in that area in the last few days.I am assuming both pantula rama and msnmurthy are based out of vizagapatnam and not vijayawada

[mahavishnu]

Thanks for your review, Sri Sivaramakrishnan.
I think your summary of Pantula Rama's vocals is spot on. It sounds effortless, due to the high level of saadhakam and scholarship. However, I have always found something ineffable missing. I have not been able to put my finger on it. Perhaps it is what you have identified here.

Could you please elaborate on what you mean by vishraanti? Are you just referring to the general speed of her kriti rendering?

IMHO, I think she should rotate accompanists at least when she is performing in Chennai. It will add invaluable concert experience for this immensely talented singer. Her choice of mridangam vidwans is excellent (J Vaidyanathan, Murugabhoopathy etc.). It appears that Murthy is now playing for a few others (OST etc), which is wonderful. Would love to listen to his vocals with her violin; just waiting for the opportunity.

And yes, Rajesh. They are from Vizag.

[Sivaramakrishnan]

Thanks rajeshnat and mahavishnu for the information on Pantula's nativity.
Again I have to correct myself on the Suddh dhanyasi song which was in fact 'Azhagaa, azhagaa' (Ambujam Krishna) and not 'Muruga, Muruga' as given by me.

mahavishnu, permit me to compare 'Vishranti' to the Lord's 'Anantasayana' (an apparent reclining posture, fully relaxed - but with a total control of what's on around)!

[mahavishnu]

Good description, Sivaramakrishnan.
Mahavishnu likes Anantasayanam!