The melody that flowed was filled with the emotions from the north to south and east to west, converging to the universal music that she created. There were classical, devotional, folk and popular elements of music in it. Dr . Narmadha brought out the wonder scope of the violin with splendid Parur bowing and fingering techniques.
The concert started with the Varnam in Saveri, played in the Parur-MSG single string style in two speeds. The other kritis presented were Vathapi Ganapathim Bhaje (Hamsadhwani), Bantureethi (Hamsanadam),Swaminatha paripaalayamam (Nattai), Sobhillu Saptaswara (Jaganmohini). An elaborate raga alapanam in Abheri was followed by the ever popular ‘Nagumomu’.. , which was concluded with a thani aavarthanam by the percussion team.
‘Raghuvamsasutha’ in Kadanakuthuhalam, presented with drums was very innovative and impressive.The notable point was that the song was presented intact in the original version.
Dr. Narmadha recalled memories of melody songs in Malayalam; the presentation of ‘Nee Madhu Pakaru..’ was an instant hit. She played a beautiful Mallari, and a few other popular songs, ‘Sankaraa..’ , ‘Marutha Malai Maamuniye’, etc. ‘Ecstasy ; The musical Voyage’ , as the concert was named, the divine musical journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, through an innovative devotional medley ,which was composed with the first lines of many devotional chants, was very interesting.
The romantic ‘Chaliye Kunjanamo’ in Brindavana Saranga was one of the sweetest for the day, before the concert was concluded with ‘Harivarasanam’ and ‘ Bhagyada lakshmi Baramma’.
Daughter of the Kerala soil , Dr.Narmadha , the true scion of the Parur tradition ,represented her grand father Sri. Parur Sundaram Iyer ,who innovated the Parur Tradition of violin playing , and her legendary father and guru Sri. MS Gopalakrishnan, through her outstanding mastery over the violin with precision in fingering and bowing even at high speeds, and the ease with which she moved through the different styles of music , be it Karnatak or Hindusthani or film tunes. Her occasional Malayalam comments enhanced her rapport with the audience.
Dr.Narmadha was ably supported by Sri. Rajesh Nath on Mridangam, Sri. Mahesh Mani on Tabla , Ghatam by Sri. R. Rajesh, and Morsing by Sri. Kottayam Murali.. Sri. JS Raja accompanied on key Board and Sri. Srinivasan on Rhythm Pad.
‘Hridaya sparshiyaaya oru Kutcheri’ , which gave us all the glimpses from the ‘anantha saagaram’ of Sangeetham..
best regards
Anupama.