The last time when LS presented a regular format season kutcheri in Chennai ,if this listner recalls right,was way back in 1988 at the MA with the two greats , UKS and Alla Rakha. In the mean time there have been some fusions, jugalbandis and collaboration with symphony orchestras etc.,in Chennai . The one at KGS today therefore raised the curiosity and expectations greatly .
The strains of the Bhairavi alapana whiffed past like a fragrant breeze. The Ata tala varnam which started like a mild drizzle turned into a thunderous down pour when it was presented in three kalams interspersed with two more speeds in tisram. Who else other than some one from the 'L' clan play the Ata tala varna at such speed with clarity and precision?
This was followed by Mahaganapatim in Nattai and after a brief alapana in Pantuvarali by Ambi Subramaniam, Siva Siva Siva was played. Ambi aquitted himself well in the alapana, neraval and swaram though his ri and ni were played as straight notes at times. A tani by the full team of percussion followed the Mokshamu galada in Saramati.
Both LS and AL were in their elements in the concluding piece, an RTP in Sarasangi in Kandachapu with the rasikas applauding and encouraging young Ambi at every round of Tanam he played. At one point it seemed like he would get an applause even if he scratched his head. One felt that he deserved the encouragement he got and hope that he , like his illustrious father and uncle would accompany senior singers and prove his worth.
If LS performs more Kutcheris here , it would rekindle the rasika interest in violin solos which is waning with the ageing of LGJ, TNK and MSG. It would also set the bar high for emerging violinists which in turn would do a lot of good for the art form