V Shankaranarayanan @ Ayodhya Mandapam

[Divya Gopalan]

Vocal - Sri V Shankaranarayanan
Violin- Sri VV Ravi
Mridangam- Sri Kumakonam Ramakrishnana


Vandanamu Raghunandana – Sahana – Adi (S)
Bagayenayya - ?? - Adi (S)
Nee Daya Rada – Vasanta Bhairavi – Rupakam (R,S)
Padavini – Salaga Bhairavi – Adi
Nannu Vidachi – Ritigowlai – M. Chapu
Enduko Ni Manasu – Kalyani – Adi (R,N,S)
Rama Raghu kula – Kapi – Rupakam

Concert started with Vandanamu, which is my all time favorite. Swarams were well done. Bagayenayya was rendered very well. Vasanta Bhairavi Ragam started with a flourish. VS has taken special effort to project the Ragam well. The Alapana began with the Nishadam and it immediately reminded me of Nee Daya Radha and identify the Ragam with just that one swaram.

Padavini and Nannu Vidachi were well rendered. However Nanu Vidachi could have been rendered a little slowly to bring out the Bhavam.

The highlight of the Kutcheri was Kalyani though. Alapana was very unconventional with stress on Ri and Da rather than the conventional Ga and Ni. It added a new dimension to Kalyani. VS’s voice is definitely an asset. Not only does it have range, it also has dexterity that allows him to jump octaves with ease.

I have not heard the composition Enduko Ni Manasu before. My dad says it’s a rare composition that GNB used to sing frequently. Neraval was in “Raaga Rahita Sri Rama…”. Swarams were in “Paraaku Seyuta…” which was 2 aksharams before the Dritham. Apart from Alapana, Kanakkus seem to be VS’s strong point - several patterns around paraakku. Most of it went over my head though I enjoyed this approach to Kanakkus which is more aligned with the Raga and patterns rather than the 7x3+6x3+5x3 varieties.

Sri Ravi provided good violin support and his tonal quality was really good. Sri Ramakrishnan's tani was good and provided good percussion support.

Concert winded off (rather abruptly!, may be because of time) with Rama Raghukula in Kapi. Overall it was an enjoyable concert and a lot of things to take back.

P.S This is my first review attempt ( with my dad's help ofcourse!). Please bear with me if I've missed out any aspect.

[rshankar]

Divya - very good job!

bAgAyanayyA - isn't that in candrajyOti?

[Divya Gopalan]

Thank you rshankar Just googled and you are right, it's chandrajyoti. Very nice composition and VSN rendered it beautifully.

[ganeshkant]

Good attempt Divya.Next time try to write without any help.U r capable it seems.

[Divya Gopalan]

will surely try, ganeshkant. I can write a review with basic details, but like to use my dad's expertise when we go together for concerts.

[bilahari]

Very nice, succinct, and informative review, Divya! Keep it going!

[rajeshnat]

Divya
I am just reading it now this review , very well written . VS's voice must have sounded very much like shri TN SeshagOpAlan

[Divya Gopalan]

Thanks Bilahari & Rajeshnat. will try to come up with more reviews.

You're right Rajeshnat, VS has a lot TN Seshagopalan "saayal" both in his voice and approach. But certainly does not sound like an imitation.