Padmashree Shubha Mudgal (Vocal)

Attended concert of Padmashree Shubha Mudgal (Vocal) accompanied by Dr. Aneesh Pradhan (Tabla - तबला), Sudheer Naik (Samwadini - संवादिनी) and Diya Kundu (Tanpura & Vocal accompaniment), a very young disciple of Shubhaji. The concert was part of Emirates NBD Classics III series at DUCTAC, Dubai on 5th Dec 2014. I attended the concert with my father-in-law. Thanks to Kumar.

Concert started with Raag Bageshree. She presented two compositions. First was 'Sajan bahu gun kam na aye..' in vilambit Ektal and second 'Harawa gundh lao ri..' in madhyalay Teen taal.

Then she spresented two short compositions in Raag Chhayanat composed by her Guru Ramashreya Jha alias Ramrang. First composition was 'Aaj man laago mero ...' in  Jhaptaal (This was composed as a tribute to Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, the great). Second composition was 'Kar kanganwa..' in Teen tal. This was a beautiful composition about how Sita sees Ram's reflection in her bangle before garlanding (marrying) him. It was my first time to hear Raag Chhayanat live and I liked it.

Then she presented Bol Banao Thumri 'Piya ke jagaye, jaag pari main to ...'. Bol Banao Thumri is speciality of Banaras gharana (Purvi ang). This Thumri was different. It was slower than Thumris I know. Aneeshji got a free hand towards the end and he was very good.

Final composition was Jhula ' Dheere dheere jhulao ...', taught to her by Naina Devi. Jhula is influenced by folk music and is a speciality of Uttar Pradesh.

After she concluded a farmaish (request) was made for Dadra 'Sunder sari mori ...' And Shubhaji fulfilled the request. But it did not end there. Audience urged her to sing Thumri 'Balam tere zagde mein rain gai ...' She liked the farmaish and sung it.

Start appeared a bit tentative to my untrained ears, but then Shubaji sung very well (goes without saying). I especially enjoyed her aalap.

Sudheerji also plays harmonium with great command and was applauded by audience. Understanding between Shubhaji & Aneeshji was excellent. Being Husband-Wife helps!

Sound system did not give any trouble and temperature of auditorium was not cold. Infact I would have preferred a couple of degree Centigrades lower.

Raag Chhayanat, Bol banao Thumri, Jhula & Dadra .. Wow... This concert was definitely 'different' and out of beaten track.

A very good concert. Entertainment rating 8.5/10.