Madurai Sri G.S. Mani 28 December ARKAY convention center

[kamalamba]

Sri. MA Sundareswaran Violin
Mannargudi Sri. Easwaran

GSM is one of the most creative musicians and I never miss the opportunity to attend his concerts. This concert was no exception and as is usual it was filled with brilliant manodharmam. The understanding between the 3 artistes and how they encouraged each other through the concert was a treat to watch.

I didn't write down the song list and am recounting from memory. Any other rasikas who were at this concert, please help fill in the blanks.

1. the concert started with the beautiful ata tALa varNam in kAnadA. Well presented in 2 speeds and his voice at the tAra stAyi is a treat to listen to.
2. Uchishta GaNapathim, a rare MD kriti in kAsi rAma Kriya. GSM explained that kAsi rAma kriya has the same swarams as kAmavardini (pantuvarali) except for how it is handled. A small round of swarams followed.
3. naayEn unnaiyE, KOtIswara Iyer, NAganandini ragam. GSM explained that he has been singing vivAdi ragam songs for 40 years and presented this beautiful kriti.
4. SabApathikku veru deivam GK BhArathi, Abhogi. This was the highlight of the concert and GSM started with one of the best AlApanais I have heard in this rAgam. At the end of the AlApanai Sri Easwaran remarked "Ivarukku eNbathu vayasAm". I do hope there is a recording of this AlApanai and hope it will reach public domain. MA Sundareswaran's reply was equally beautiful. The kriti was followed by swarams. Outstanding.
5. nIrajAkshi kAmAkshi, MD, HindOLam. Mesmerizing presentation, nice hindustAni touches and again tAra sthAyi was brilliant.
6. sankari nIve, Subbaraya Sastri, bEgadA. GSM mentioned he learned this kriti from Karaikudi sAmbasiva iyer and reminisced about the vINai tradition that seems to be on the wane.
7. I am unable to recollect the rest but this included several short pieces in jaunpuri, chandrakauns etc.

The accompaniments were spectacular and overall an exceptional concert that I am glad I attended and hope there will be more GSM concerts.

I hope some rasikas can help fill the gaps.

[satyabalu]

6. sankari nIve, Syama Sastri, bEgadA ----It is Subbaraya Shastri.

[kamalamba]

Thanks satyabalu, corrected it.