Syama Sastri ‘s compositions occupy an unique place in Carnatic Music. They symbolize the outpourings of devotion to the Ishta Devata from an Upasaka,who was on talking terms with Goddess Bangaru Kamakshi . .His Jayanthi this year fell on 19th April.
In the series of concerts arranged in connection with the Birthday of Sri. S. V. Krishnan of Naada Inbam, Thanjavur Sankara Iyer chose to offer music through the compositions of Syama Sastri.
Starting with the Viriboni Varnam (of Sastri's guru), Sankara Iyer moved on to the Bhairavi Swarajathi . He sprang a surprise by singing the swaras therto in Mel Kalam..(It seems Tiger Varadachariar used to sing like that).Parvathi Ninnu in the raga Galgada followed. with Sankara Iyer explaining the intricacy in the laya pattern built into the Krithi.
In fact, throughout the concert, his music was liberally interspersed with his musings on many musical and mundane matters.
Devi Briva Samayamidhe,(with digressions on the musical contests of those days), Himadri Suthe pahi Mam,O Jagadamba, KarunaJudu Ninnu, Ninne Namminanu, Saroja Dala Netri (with neraval and swaras at that point and Thani) and Palintsu Kamakshi were interpreted with his usual accent on classical purity and melodic appeal.
At this point , he digressed into Vame Bhumi Sudha in Kambhoji followed by Varadamani ni, and concluded with the tiruppugazh Uruvai Aruvai (the star on the day being Karthigai).
Amazing that his voice (at his age)was in fine trim lending itself to bring out the beauty of gamaka oriented music.
Varadarajan on the violin and Umayalpuram Mali on the mridangam were the perfect foils and played with great understanding and finesse to enhance the total musical effect.
A most fitting tribute to one who loved and lived for magnificient music.
Thanjavur Sankara Iyer @ Raga Sudha Hall on 19th April 2007
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