Visaka Hari @ SRSM May 7th

[Suvarnangi]

Visaka Hari presented the DasaThyagaRamayanam contrary to the "sundarakandam" that was advertised.Having listened to her 'sundarakandam' a dozen times atleast in CD,I got ready for this new treat.Engaging narration and Bhavam was the hallmark.She took Samaja varagamana ,hindolam as main raga.There was a lot of repetition of phrases in the alapana of hindolam.The kalpana swaras suffered miserably,I definitely expected more from an A grade AIR artist.She sang her usual favourite raga line up darbari kaanada,subhapantuvarali,revathi,sindhu bhairavi,hamsanadham incorporated in perfect timing of narration,sent the crowd of atleast 2000 in a frenzy.The accompanists did a good job in supporting her narration.Overall bhava filled excellent narration,brought the Lord himself before our eyes.Good upanyasam with average score sangeetham is my verdict.

[Navaneedham]

That was a poorly written review.but i do agree with your points about her alapana and kalpana swaras.And She does seem to sing those ragas very frequently Being a LJ 's disciple ,with housefull concerts attracting even younger generations,i think she has more responsibility in delivering good standard of music ,expose the crowd to much more than 'om namo narayana',bantureethi,guruvayurappanae,seethamma.."

[badari]

Dear both,

I beg to differ in the view point. We attend a harikatha session to be immersed in bhakti and dwell in the glorified stories of the characters of the story.

Even though VH delivers a Kutcheri katha (adding violin instead of a harmonium) , its good to expect good music. But I would still brush off such errors as the main agenda for the evening was kathAkAlakshEpa

I cant fathom the mind that would focus on such slippages than being engulfed by bhakti !!

There cannot be a better judge than VH herself to decide on what compositions to intersperse.. and obviously they have to be presented in the rAgas they are composed.

May be the review should have focussed more on her story telling than just on the music which was not more than 25 - 30 % of the program

[Navaneedham]

Badari ji, i agree that we could indeed brush off the errors,errors though they are,for the Higher Good.