SSI Centenary - Smt. Seetha Rajan foll. by Tribute by PSN Di

Always_Evolving · Post by **Always_Evolving** » 27 Jul 2008, 18:42

After a very long time I got a chance to listen to my old favourite Seetha Rajan who sang as part of the SSI centenary celebrations, in the 9.30 AM slot on Sunday July 27th at the M.A. mini-hall (not a favourite!)

Accompanists B U Ganesh Prasad - violin, Patri Satish Kumar - mrdangam.

1. Nada tanum anisham - chittaranjani (S)
2. Meru Samana - mayamalavagowlai - adix2 (N, S at Galamuna shobhillu)
3. Marivere - anandabhairavi - misrachapu (R)
4. Govardhana girisham - hindolam - rupakam - MD? (S)
5. Kamalambam bhajare - Kalyani - MD Navavaranam (R, S)
6. Slokam - Kasthuri Tilakam - ragamalika: kharaharapriya, varali, sahana, kapi
followed by Aravinda padamalar (Kapi) - Ambujam Krishna

A beautifully sruti-aligned concert. Expansive searching neraval in Meru Samana, followed by swarams replete with SSI-reminiscent dhatus. A very nice Anandabhairavi alapanai, setting out all the classical pidis. Kamalambam bhajare rendition was grand but both ragam and swarams appeared abridged due to time constraints. I felt that 1.5 hours did not afford mami enough time to present a complete main piece. The slokam was presented beautifully.

There were moments in the early part of the concert when I wished for a bit more power in her voice but it was very melodious throughout. Accompaniment was good.

TRIBUTE BY DISCIPLES OF PSN:

The concert was followed by a sangeethanjali by disciples of Sri P S Narayanswami. On stage were about 15 singers, including Ranjani-Gayathri, Amritha Murali and several others whose names I am sorry that I don't know. Their presentation had lot of verve and involvement. What a great guru Sri PSN must be to have transmitted this kind of passion to so many students. They sang Inthaparaka (mayamalavagowlai), Lokavanachatura (begada), krits in bhavapriya, sri, neelambari ( didn't note down the starting lines) and rounded off with the ever-green Sapasyat koushalya (jonpuri).

carnaticdasan · Post by **carnaticdasan** » 28 Jul 2008, 11:34

Bhavapriya should be Srikanthanee of Thyagarajar which was SSI's all time favourite.Most of SSI's recording and kutcheries will feature this.Did Sri V.Subramanian and students featured in this prog?

Always_Evolving · Post by **Always_Evolving** » 28 Jul 2008, 21:01

Yes it was indeed Srikanthanee.

I love SSI but have only heard a limited no. of recordings over and over, hence my unfamiliarity with even some of his stock favourites.

There was a tribute by Sri V Subramanian's disciples after the PSN disc. but I had to leave at that point.

carnaticdasan · Post by **carnaticdasan** » 29 Jul 2008, 09:46

Sangethapriya.org site will give u sufficient postings of SSI's recording where his favourites are repeated in rotation.I have heard him say "GIVE WHAT AUDIENCE EXPECT" and thats why all the songs have made an impact and these are traditionally carried forward by Sri PSN and Sri.VS to their students.Even u find Sangathees are untouched.