Bala’s Abhinaya , Satyajit Ray’s Trilogy, Worrell’s late cut.
Can any words even remotely convey their beauty? Experience non-pareil
One feels blessed to have been witness to these.
Such were the thoughts when Thanjavur Sankara Iyer sang.
The venue Gokhale Sastri Hall, For Chennai Fine Arts on 22nd Dec.
A function to honour the Vaggeyakara who however preferred to pay homage to the great composers of the past , leaving it to his disciple Dr. Sundar to sing his compositions later.
The music lasted only for an hour. But one was in a state of timelessness.
Ninnu Kori Varnam, Nada thanumanisam, Makelara Vicharamu, Rama Ninne Namminanu, Sarasa Samadhana, Venkata Saila Vihara, Ini Oru Kanam Unai Maraven, Karunalaya Nidhiye, Baamaro padam, Charumathi, Solla Vallayo Kiliye, and thillana in Kapi.
All sung with great passion and imbued with a blend of Lakshya aided by Lakshana. One never thought of his octogenarian years. A result of the sangeetha upasana.
Raga portraits of Useni, Hamir Kalyani, and Sri Ranjani were rasa- laden and the ultimate in quintessence.
When he was savouring the beauty of the song Venkata Saila Vihara, Govinda Rao who was in the front row was seen gently singing it to himself. Need one say more?.
Pakkala Ramadas and Umayalpuram Mali gave the most admirable and appreciative support to the grand music.
Mali was so much engrossed in the musical mood that he declined to play any thani despite prodding by Sankara Iyer.
Salute to the two for their contribution to the musical excellence.
A Rasika was so moved that he exclaimed that he could hear no more of any music that day and left the hall.
Thank You Chennai Fine Arts. Straight from the heart.