K.Gayathri at Raga Sudha Hall, 16-9-2014

[sureshvv]

If you ask me, I would say there are two types of Carnatic musicians. The first type, let us call them Type A, is all about testing the boundaries. They are constantly innovating and exploring and trying out new and different things. They challenge themselves all the time. They are not satisfied with repeating themselves, even if things had worked out really well on previous occasions. Often they surpass themselves. Hearing these musicians is a treat and attending their concert is like opening Forrest Gump's box of chocolates.

The second kind of musician, Type B if you will, focus on what they do well and are wary of all excess. Every nuance is well practiced and they know exactly how each sangati is going to manifest itself. They are seldom carried away by the moment. Presentation is tantamount and you would never catch them going off script. Perfection is their ideal and they approach it asymptotically.

Of course the real world being somewhat imperfect is comprised of artistes that combine both these approaches to different degrees. Nevertheless one can perceive the dominant trait. And there are even artistes who evolve from one type to another as their career progresses. But that, my friend, is the topic for another day.

Now you may wonder, what happens when these approaches collide on stage? A lot actually. At the least, It sets up some interesting dynamics for the audience.

K.Gayathri's thematic concert on Chamundeswari, with Sanjeev on the violin for Charsur Arts Foundation provided ample evidence of this type of encounter. But first, the song list:

1. Varnam (Sri raja mathangi), Suddha Danyasi, Adi, Harikesanallur Muthaih Bhagavathar(HKMB)
2. Thappulanniyu. Bowli, Adi, HKMB
3. Sri Chamnundeswari, Bilahari, Adi, Mysore Vasudevachar (MV), [RNS]
4. Brovavamma, Gowrimanohati, Kanda chapu, MV
5. Mahishasuramardini, Kannada, Adi, Papanasam Sivan (PS)
6. Chanmundeswari, Saveri, Adi, PS, [RNS]
7. Sive pahi, Surutti, Adi, MV

A noteworthy aspect of this concert was the emphasis on slokas and their graceful rendition - all the major items were prefaced with slokas from presumably the Chamundeswari Ashtothara. In fact the delivery was so perfect and serene that it would have been a wonderful 2.5 hours just listening to the slokas. For the semi initiated, this was a kaleidoscope of sorts - phrases drawn from various kritis presented in the form of a prayer. The concert started with a sloka in a ragamalika Nattai and Suddha danyasi and veered off script (song list provided by the organizers) almost immediately giving way to the Muthaih Bhagavathar varnam, Sri raja mathangi.

The Bilahari kriti was presented elaborately and brought out the underlying contrast in approaches between the protagonists. This became even more pronounced during the neraval and swaras portions where the improvisational aspects of performing take over. Each time the gauntlet was thrown, it was politely acknowledged and carefully danced around. Undeterred it continued to be picked up and thrown down again. Towards the very end, there was a grudging concession that brought out a smile on everyone following the exchanges.

The Saveri kriti of Papanasam Sivan is quite a rare one and was sung in a leisurely gait that showcased the vocal prowess of the artiste, That the lyrics were completely internalized was evident from the freewheeling neraval. In spite of Saveri becoming a rather staple choice for the main these days, the rare kriti heightened the interest level and kept the audience on keel.

Poongulam Subramaniam and K.V.Gopalakrishnan on percussion provided terrific support all through and played a well received thani. KVG got a special recognition from the audience for his part of the thani.

The theme, the choice of items and the involvement level of the artistes made this the best concert of the four concert series.

[arasi]

Suresh,
An excellent review with an intro of points to ponder!

I watched/listened to K.Gayathri quite a bit in Cleveland (via streaming) where I heard her sing several times (in concert and for the music/dance/dramas)--and how your musings make sense, having watched her!

Gopalakrishnan is another artiste who certainly delivers every time.

[rajeshnat]

SureshVV
Very nice review . Bharathi Ramasubban on devi, K Gayathri on Chamundeshwari, I recollect reading the hindu where amrutha murali was the third on ??? , forgot the 4th artist and the theme. Suguna Purushotaman spark is always there with K Gayathri and I guess all of that came in the way you characterize Type A and Type B.

[sureshvv]

Aishwarya Vidya Raghunath had the early slot on the 2nd day. Meenakshi was her theme.