Hyd- N J Nandini at Kalasagaram

[sivakami]

Kalasagaram- 49th Annual festival of Music, Dance and Drama
01-12-2016

Smt. N J Nandini
Sri. K V Krishna – violin
Sri. V V Ramanamurthy
Sri. P V Ramanamurthy

Song List:
1. Sarasijanabha – varnam in Kambodhi – ata talam – Vadivelu?(Google says so!)
2. Paripahi ganadhipa – saveri – (Sw@ bhasura murthe) -Swaati TirunaaL –Adi
3. Evarikkai avatharamethithivo – devamanohari – (brief raga sketch for 2 min, sw@evarikkai)
4. Enthani vinavinthura – oormika – Pallavi Seshaiyer – tisra Adi (sw@ pantambulEla naapai)
5. Sumasaayaka - karnataka kapi - rupaka thalam
6. Sadha madhin- gambheeravani
7. Kaddanuvarikki –thodi – (R – 10min,vio- 7min, N&Sw @ muddugaru momu)
8. Tani
9. Sagara sayana vibho - bAgeshrI – M D Ramanathan
10. Jaya jaya devi - -behag-like-ragam -Swaati TirunaaL
11. Tillana - Madhuvanti thillana - Lalgudi Jayaraman
12. Mangalam

Wah! Wah! Wah! What a kucheri!
I was very happy soon after seeing the list of performers for Kalasagaram this time, as the line-up comprised of so many youngsters. We decided not to miss listening to NJNandini. After the eager awaiting, it was so pleasant to see the young NJN with her sweet voice and dimpled smile, dressed in shimmering, golden-peach silk. Equally exciting it was to see the young KVKrishna going to accompany her. I got ready for a wonderful feast that evening. This was obvious right from the beginning when she started the ata-tala varnam rendered in two speeds. I thought the composition was of Swati tirunaal. Later upon googling, I found it was by Sri. Vadivelu (pl. correct if I am wrong!). We get to listen to such items rarely here, I felt. Then the brisk saveri kriti in praise of Lord Ganesha was rounded off with a short kalpana-swarams. This was compensated in the next kriti that she sang with clear diction, extended swaras round, with sweet returns on the violin. During the next alapana, I was thinking it was simhendra madhyamam. This telugu krithi was also rendered beautifully, with swaras after the anupallavi and another detailed round @ pantambulEla naapai. I immensely enjoyed. The next item was not clear to me, possibly due to her melodious voice that I got lost and could not catch the lyrics as well as the ragam. It was a slow-moving piece with slow swaras. (NJN clariifed after reading this post. So, I have edited now.) After this song, there was the garlanding session. The next fast-paced filler ‘sadamadhin’ is one of my favorites, and I was very happy. The grand main in thodi was developed step-by-step and fulfilling. The accompanying artistes offered an excellent support. Young KVKrishna is well known for his exact returns with ease and that nice smile. Post main thukkadas were so mellifluous, that I was longing a few more that could have been rendered if there was time.
Will have to wait for the next time when she comes to perform here somewhere in the twin cities, and also that I should be able to attend.

[rajeshnat]

Sivakami
NJ Nandini had one concert in chennai in an afternoon concert . Her voice is lovely , hope she soon soon as some big God Father so that there is an opportunity to hear her in future. Thanks for your review.

[advaitin]

Item 5 above could be Sumasayaka of ST

[sivakami]

Yes, thats what it is. Although I wrote down the ragas of the swarams, I was not able to catch properly. It seems its a pada varnam of ST.

[Sivaramakrishnan]

Sumasaayaka (karnataka kapi)is a unique composition of Swati.The swara passage in charana has kalyani , khamas, vasanta & mohana in ragamalika.It was a master piece of Palght KVN. I have been fortunate in listening to him at TVM navaratri mandpam.

Yes, Nandini is a rising star. Her style is unhurried but has all the ingredients required for a noble yet brilliant recital.At Mylapore fine arts chennai on 20th she sang an excellent bilahari for the not-so-commonly heard Sri chamundeswari palaya maam of Muthiah bhagavathar. Lalgudi's tillana in Behag was superb.