Kunnakudi Balamurali at Meenakshi collage Kodambakkam- 9th Dec 2018

[krishnan meenakshi]

Pakkavadyam:

Voilin: Anayampatti Venkatasubramanian
Mrudangam: Karaikurichi Mohanram
Kanjeera: Nergunam S.Sankar


Sampled Ragas:

1. Harikambhoji, Entharani, Thyagaraja- A, K, S
2. Mand, Muralidhara Gopala, Periasamy Thoran- A, K


Observation:

Harikambhoji : Alapana - was technically sound but lack lustre and hurried (may be due to time constraint). Kriti rendition – Fast paced, with usual sangathis and many interspaces to expand / explore. Much expected Niraval was missing. Kalpanaswaram – Aggressive sarvalagu swarams with simple kanakku followed by a simple chatusra nadai korvai ending with triple fives, followed by Thani.

Mand: Short alapana recalling ‘Orunaal podhuma’ of Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna but lacked sweetness. Kriti was well presented in his unique style. Sang in false tone at higher octaves (Thara sthayi Pa – Sa).


Comments:

KBMK’s voice seemed tired, may need to space his concert schedules suitably. Having established himself in the field and being a mrudangist, KBMK may well venture into singing more Kanakku. Usage of false voice does not suit Carnatic vocal unlike in cinema, which he may avoid. He has to keep working and more improvising.

Violinist : Venkat was melodious but struggled to keep pace with KBMK. Sabhas must consider suitable accompanists to vocalists.

Mrudangist: Mohanram- good support, nice finger movements and played crisp thani showing chathusram and thisra nadais.

Kanjeera: Played and gelled well with Mohanram. Unfortunately provided with a wrong kind of mic/Eq, which made kanjeera sound like Udukkai.

[Purist]

Orunaal podhuma if I am correct is
In Hamsavinodhini.

[devan]

Nice ,honest review. Keep it coming.