Gayathri Girish on June 23, 2007 at Asthika Samajam, Venus

Ranga · Post by **Ranga** » 24 Jun 2007, 11:04

under the auspices of Saraswathi Vaggeyakkara Trust and Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Sabha:
Gayathri Girish supported by Akkarai Subbalakshmi, Neyveli Skandasubramaniam, Madipakkam Murali
Composers ranging from Sidhar padal to contemporary composers:

1.Virutham- Mandiramaavadu-Tirumular Tirumandiram-Pazhanthakka Pann-(Arabhi)
followed by Ninaiminn Manane- Pattinathar - Adi- Arabhi (S)
(Earlier than 7th Century)

2.Utrumai Servadhu-Pazhampanjuram Pann- Shankarabharanam- Adi- Tirugnanasambandar Tevaram (7th Century)

(Example of a Tevaram Padal where the "yamakam ani" is used in lyrics. And, laya variations of Chatusra and Tisra Nadais interspersed)

3.Vaiyam tagaliyaa- Mayamalavagowla- Adi- Alwar Pasuram (N)
(this was a combination of the initial verses from the anthadi composed by each of the 3 mudhal aalwargal- namely,Poigai alwar, Boodathaalwar and Peiyaalwar)
(7th Century)

4.Moyyaar thadam- Purvikalyani- Misra Chapu- Tiruvembaavai- Manikkavasagar
(9th Century)

5.Yaarenna sonnalum- Manirang-Adi- Uthukadu Venkatasubbier(R)
(18th Century)

6.Yaaro Ivar yaaro- Saveri- Adi- Arunachala Kavi
(18th Century)

7.Tiruve tigazhum- Kalyani-Ramalinga Swamigal's Arutpa -Adi
(19th Century)

8.Kunram Kudi Konda- Thodi- Papanasam Sivan-Adi (R,N,S,T)
(20th Century)

9.Villinai otha- Kavadi Chindu-Subramanya Bharathi
(20th Century)

10.Eenamigu - Surutti- Tiruppugazh
(14th Century)
Chronological order of songs changed obviously to suit concert format
Promotion of Tamil Isai is a standard topic hotly discussed usually during December season and thereafter forgotten till next December. The festival exclusively dedicated for Tamil Isai perceivably in a non season and that too without the fanfare of such occasions by the so called Tamil protagonists , has to be viewed from this background. The efforts by these two organisations have to be appreciated and the authorities should take note to support such organizations without any bias or prejudice. It is sad situation, that such songs needs to be introduced to rasikas in spite of their old heritage, whereas they are well accustomed to songs in other languages and that too of recent origin. It is not that the musicians are in any way responsible for the situation, as many musicians are capable of giving concerts consisting exclusively of Tamil songs , like Sowmya with impeccable diction. I was glad that Mrs. Gayatrhri Girish has proved herself to be one such musician. Her concert though formatted confining to a timeframe did not lack the effect of a concert ; usually such concerts creates the impression of a demonstration to a scholarly gathering. She acquitted herself well in giving a wholesome concert without a dull moment. Her rendition of Thevaram and Tiruvempavai conformed to the traditional singing, depicting the serious work behind such presentation. Raga delineation for the song in Manirangu was of text book variety to be appreciated by all who stand for pure music. Brief song in Kalyani brought out the quintessence of the raga and gave the feeling why it ended soon.
Her rendering of todi was on the lines of her guru and enjoyable.
In tune with the purpose of the festival, more songs have been included within the time, with just adequate time for raga, neraval and swaram.
The supporting artists have also done their part creditably understanding this purpose.

Sathej · Post by **Sathej** » 24 Jun 2007, 13:14

A very nice concert which left me feeling more time should have been given to the artiste. Arabhi was a nice start followed by a Sankarabharanam which conveyed the essentials in a short time. The Thevaram Padal began in Chatusra Nadai, witched to Thisra Nadai and then again came back to Chathusram.Some good patterns here by the Mrudangam Vidwan.
The Mayamalava Gowla was very good with Neraval at Gnana Chudar Vilakkku Etrinen. Purvikalyani and Kalyani, both deserve detailed expositions but again time proved to be a constraint. Yaro Ivar Yaro was sung in Saveri. It sounded quite nice, especially the phrase Chandra Bimba, which I have heard being sung in Bhairavi by several stalwarts, was quite nice in Saveri too.
The pick of the concert,to me, was a really nice Thodi.Nicely put by Ranga ji when he says it was on the lines of her Guru. There were clear Bhrigas in her Alapanai which sounded so much like Shri TNS. The elaborate Neraval,even when she was perceptibly tense glancing at her watch followed by some Kanakku embellished Swarams were very good.
The Kavadi Chindhu and Surutti were also rendered well.
On the whole,great efforts taken by Smt Gayathri Girish to educate the Rasikas. An informative kutcheri. More time could have been provided. Support was very good too with Kumari Akkarai Subbalakshmi, Shri Neyveli Skandasubramaniam and Shri Madipakkam Murali all playing theri roles well.
Sathej

saadhyaa · Post by **saadhyaa** » 24 Jun 2007, 19:58

i had the same feeling when i heard the kalyani...sathejji....it wonderful saveri though....( i have heard it in bhairavi too...which has become usual....) GG has to be lauded for a wonderful kuthceri...

saadhyaa

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 24 Jun 2007, 21:16

It is really heartening to note that the current crop of musicians such as Gayatri Girish, and Sowmya are on to the Thamizh isai revival without really declaring anything ideological but digging up the treasures from the ancient as well as modern times. More power to them!

While tiruppAvai songs were popularized by Ariyakkudi, MLV used to take them up for the main piece. Bold but pleasant venture! I have been reading up on some tirumuRai songs lately and am overwhelmed by the seamless mixing of mundane with the sublime thoughts in those songs besides rich diction.

Sathej · Post by **Sathej** » 25 Jun 2007, 07:25

Yes, they sing a lot of Tamil Krithis even in general concerts without going overboard and declaring that they would do this and that and so on.
Sathej