Dr. Vijayalakshmy Subramaniam @ Chennai Cultural Academy dec 24

[Jyeshtha]

It was a lovely and satisfying concert, with a great song list.
1. Started off with a sloka in Nattai segueing into Swaminatha paripalaya. A spirited niraval at Vamadeva Parvati and swaras at Parvati came as a super surprise.
2. Pahi jagajjanani--A less heard raga these days -- Hamsanandi and an almost forgotten kriti-- of Maharaja Swati Tirunal was presented next. An emotive alapana, with pronounced karvais, enhanced listening pleasure. Violin return was equally pleasurable. Sprightly swaras at P.
3. Sri Bhargavi-- mangala kaisiki. What a composition! A superb rendition, giving it the vilamba it warranted. Serene.
4. Kamala charane- Amrita behag, GNB
5. Dorakuna-- bilahari. Elaborate alapana, great kriti and niraval and swaras at Ramabrmha. Tani by J. Balaji and MadipakkamMurali was very enjoyable.
The post Thani pieces by Dr. VS are usually the icing on the cake. Today was no different.
6. Ninnaye rati endru- tilang, adi tisra gati. soothing
7. Kabir bhajan-- melody soaked. I particularly like her accent of Hindi bhajans....
8. Kararavindena-- slokam in kapi and behag, Yamuna Kalyani followed by Krishna née begane
Her mangalam of Asato ma is truly haunting and leaves one in a wonderfully calm frame of mind.
She had excellent support from her daughter Shankari. Would like to listen to her solo some time. Good strong voice blending well with mom! Ranjani Ramakrishnan on the violin was very poised and played well, matching the main artist. A well thought out song list, esp with concerts happening all through.