S.SHASHANK AT MUDHRA ON 23/12

[CRama]

S.Shashank presented an enthralling concert in the Infosys Hall, Ramakrishna Mission School,Bazulla Road on 23/12/11.He was accompanied by BU Ganesh Prasad on the violin, KV.Prasad on the Mridangam and N.Amrit on the Kanjira. The list of songs:
Kanada varnam-Ata thalam
Marugelara-Jayanthasree,Adi,Thyagaraja
Anandanatamaduvar thillai-Poorvikalyani,Roopaka thalam, Neelakanta sivan kriti.
Kathanakuthoohalam
Elavathara-Mukhari,Adi, 2 Kalai,Thyagaraja
Thani
RTP-Brindavanasaranga
Pallavi-Mahimateliya tarama
Baro Krishnayya-Ragamalika,Adi,Purandaradasa
Marubari-Khamas, Javali
Thillana, Khamas,
Mangalam

The varnam was played in two kalams in the usual style. Marugelara was played after a brief alapana and was decorated with elaborate swarams. Poorvikalyani was played very well for about 10 minutes and the violin also played for 5 minutes. Anandanatamaduvar thillai was presented with elaborate swaras in the pallavi in both kalams. After the filler Kathanakuthoohalam ( I could not identify the song), he asked the audience, which you will prefer- Kharaharapriya or Mukhari. Many shouted for Kpriya, but I shouted for Mukhari and told that Mukhari is rarely heard in the concerts. He played an elaborate Mukhari displaying the subtle nuances of the raga in an exquisite manner for about 10 minutes. The violinist also responded well by playing for 5 minutes. Then Shashank asked- What you will have- a kriti or Pallavi. We shouted for a kriti (as it was too early to take up a pallavi. WE got a RTP as bonus later). Then he played Elavathara which was a wonderful treat for those who attended. Superb raga bhavam, appropriate kalapramanam, authentic sangathis. Elaborate swarams were played involving some kanakkus- at the same time without sacrificing the aesthetics of the song. The large audience enjoyed each bit of his venuganam. After the thani which was applauded by the audience for each avarthanam, he asked- Is there time for a RTP or shall I play same songs. Audience preferred RTP and he told I will play a small RTP which was in no way small. He chose ragam Brindavanasaranga and the pallavi was presented in all details with Trikalam. HE played ragamalika swarams in Saveri,Kharaharapriya,Abheri, MOhanam and Shanmugapriya. After the pallavi he played the tailend pieces and concluded the highly enthralling concert.

Shashank's playing was highly enthralling and the accompanists also played very well. The method of Shashank's connecting with the audience and playing what they preferred do have an impact on the audience appreciation.I myself felt like thanking Shashank after the concert for whatever he played- which feeling otherwise do not arise always. At the same time, he did not lower the standard of the concert to win audience appreciation as some others do. BU Ganesh Prasad was a very good support for Shashank and his solos and returns were very appropriate. KVPrasad- his long experience was very much evident in his strokes.His sensitivity in accompanying, particularly during kritis, is simply awe-inspiring. He seems to understand the main artiste's music so very well that he can anticipate each sangati exactly. And the audience appreciated very lavishly during his thani. Amrit also gelled very well.

[vasanthakokilam]

I shouted for Mukhari and told that Mukhari is rarely heard in the concerts. He played an elaborate Mukhari displaying the subtle nuances of the raga in an exquisite manner for about 10 minutes. The violinist also responded well by playing for 5 minutes. Then Shashank asked- What you will have- a kriti or Pallavi. We shouted for a kriti (as it was too early to take up a pallavi. WE got a RTP as bonus later). Then he played Elavathara which was a wonderful treat

Perfect! Good work CRama!! Hoping here that Mudhra will release the recordings of the concert.