Smt. Harini Krishnan (Vocal)

Attended Carnatic Vocal concert of Smt. Harini Krishnan (Great grand-daughter of Sri Papanasam Sivan) accompanied by Smt. Sita Raghu (Violin) and Sri. S. Sivasubramanian  (Mridangam). The concert was organized by Abu Dhabi Chamber Music at the residence of Sujatha & Ravi, on 26th Mar 2015. I attended with Nandu.

Concert started with 4 short compositions, each about 7-10 minutes long, that included famous composition 'Maha Ganapatim manasa smarami' and 'alapana'.

Smt. Sita Raghu then played solo violin. She displayed slow solo violin play variations and drew applause.

Harini then presented three short compositions including 'Suga suga Mridangam'. Again Sitaji played a fantastic violin solo piece.

Harini then sung 'Parvati ..'. During this composition, Siva mesmerized the audience with his solo Mridangam.
Concert ended with last two compositions including 'Jaya mangalam nitya' (I think this was a Thiagaraja composition).

Harini demonstrated very good singing in low octaves. Sitaji was good as usual and accompanied Harini without trying to overshadow her. Siva was also very good and played cut-to-cut. All three artists were local (Abu Dhabi) artists. It goes to show that Abu Dhabi has got talent, at least in Carnatic music.

Program started exactly at the announced time. Full marks for the punctuality. It was attended by a small audience of about 30-35. It was a mehfil in casual and cosy atmosphere.

It was a mini concert of one hour and twenty minutes. Had it been longer, artists would have had more scope to demonstrate variety.

Abu Dhabi Chamber Music should be applauded for the efforts and encouragement to the artists.

Pt. Kushal Das (Sitar) & Shashank Subramnyan (Flute)

Attended concert titled "Unision of strings and winds". This was the concert of Pt. Kushal Das (Sitar) & Shashank Subramnyan (Flute) accompanied by Parimal Chakrabarty (Tabla) and Sai Giridhar (Mridangam). The concert was organized by Manirang, ISC & Embassy of India at ISC, Any Dhabi on 19th Mar 2015. I attended with Aditi, Sucheeta and Jayant.

Concert started with famous Raag Hamsadhwani. This raag is one of the common raag in Hindustani and Carnatic music. Shashank played one piece in aalap very well.

Then they presented Ragam Panthuvarali or Raag Puriya Dhanashree, the main presentation of the concert. This section was a classical Ragam - Thanam - Pallavi or Aalap - Jod - Jhala. Alapana was followed by composition and improvization.

Unfortunately, I had to leave early and could not wait till the end. But rather than brooding over what I missed, I was happy with what I got.

It was a Strings-Winds jugalbandi, Sitar-Flute jugalbandi, Tabla-Mridangam jugalbandi and Hindustani-Carnatic jugalbandi.

Needless to say Pt. Das enthralled the audience by his fine Sitar playing. It was the first time I watched Carnatic Flute live. Previously I had only listened recorded albums. Shashank was advertised as Prodigy, and that he was. His air intake, though, were frequently audible. He displayed some super fast flute playing.

Sitar, Flute, Tabla and Mridangam was an unusual and innovative combination. Although there were four instruments, Tabla mostly played Hindustani music with Sitar and Mridangam played Carnatic music with Flute. The combination sounded very nice and pleasing.

It was a knowledgeable audience and both artists were applauded multiple times. It appeared that the Carnatic audience was in majority. Temperature in the auditorium was cold and some of the audience had to take comfort break.

Entertainment rating - not allotted.

For more concert reports please visit
Mandar's Concert Reports
http://mandarconcertreports.blogspot.com/

Ganesh (Violin) & Kumaresh (Violin)

Attended concert titled "Aalap-5". This was the concert of famous violinist duo Ganesh (Violin) & Kumaresh (Violin) accompanied by Sankaranarayan (Mridangam) & Trichi Krishnaswamy (Ghatam). This program was organized by India Social and Cultural Center in its facility. I attended the program with Nandu, Jayant, little Gargi & Prakash.

They told a story, which was the theme of the concert, of a student who is attracted to Carnatic music and wants to know what is Carnatic music. He is then introduced to it by the musician. The concert was the journey of this student. An innovative and interesting idea.

Concert started with a short varnam that lasted about 7 minutes. This set the mood of the concert. Second song presented by them was a Tyagaraja Kriti 'Brobaparama'.

Then they played the first Ragam. It was, not often heard, Ragam Nasikabhushani also known as Nasamani. It was followed by Raga pravaham, a wordless composition.

They asked five persons to choose five swars (They fixed Sa and Pa). Audience chose Sa, R2, G2, M2, P, D2, N3 thus creating the notes of Ragam Dharmavati. They then asked if the audience wants Kriti or Ragam Thanam Pallavi (RTP). RTP was the choice of audience. After playing Ragam and Thanam they asked the audience to give them five words and used these words as lyrics to play Pallavi.

Then Ganesh presented a vocal composition "Adi vadi kanna"

Concert ended with grand finale 'Bhagyada Lakshami'

Ganesh & Kumaresh mesmerized the audience. They have awesome command over violin, be it soft or forte. They demonstrated individual, synchronized and sawal jawab violin playing to the satisfaction of audience.

Sankaranarayan's Mridangam was excellent. Trichi Krishnaswamy played very well. But his mike should have had more gain. Both of them drew applause from audience.

The sound system was flawless. Audience was able to clearly hear the soft notes distinctly.

Audience today was very learned. They recognized ragam and compositions without fail. Kumaresh also repraminded some one in audience for talking while artists were playing thereby disturbing them.

A very innovative way of presenting the concert that demonstrates the command and innovation of Ganesh- Kumaresh. It was mind blowing.

Entertainment rating 9.75/10.

Kalapini Komkali (Vocal)

Attended concert of Kalapini Komkali (Vocal) accompanied by Prashant Pandav  (Tabla) and Abhishek Shinkar (Samvadini) organized by Anubhooti at Embassy of India auditorium, Abu Dhabi, on 20th Feb 2014.

Concert started with Raag Bilaskhani Todi (बिलासखानी तोडी). It is said that this variation of Todi was first sung by Bilas Khan, son of Miyan Tansen. She presented three bandishes. First was traditional Khyal (ख्याल). Second was again a traditional madhyalay rachna (मध्यलय रचना). Third was Tarana(तराना), a composition of her father Pt Kumar Gandharva.

Kalapiniji told the audience that her father used to say 'Bandish should have spark, there is no use of torch here (बंदिशमें चिंगारी होनी चाहीए वहॉं मशालका कोई काम नहीं).'

Then she presented two bandishes in two Bilawals. First a very old bandish in rarely sung Raag Shukla Bilawal (शुक्ल बिलावल). Then she presented one bandish in Raag Alhaiya Bilawal (अलहैया बिलावल).

She then presented Raag Kafi ke swar (काफी के स्वर) followed by a Bandish 'chado chado chaila mori baiyan (छडो छडो छैला मोरी बैंया)'  of Gwaliar gharana that she learned from Pt. Ramashray Jha and Pt. Shantaram Kashalkar.

Finally she sung two bhajans. First bhajan was of Mirabai 'Fagun ke din char (फागुनके दिन चार)'. She termed this bhajan as aprapya (अप्राप्य) & adhyatmik (अध्यात्मिक). Second bhajan was famous Nirguni bhajan and my favorite 'Sunta hai guru gyani.. (सुनता है गुरू ग्यानी)'

She demonstrated her range of octaves, technicality, emotions and improvisations.
She was especially good when she sung in lower octaves. She also encouraged the accompanying artists when they did well and corrected them when they strayed a bit.
Kalapiniji is a perfectionist and enjoys singing. When the artist enjoys, audience enjoy as well. She also gave few small anecdotes that audience liked very much.

Prashant played excellent tabla. Kalapiniji had to tell him about adjusting the lay once or twice. Abhishek's harmonium was perfect. He followed the singer religiously. He should become a fine successful harmonium player in future.

For a change this concert was not in the evening. It was a rare occasion to attend a morning concert. This gives an opportunity to the singer to sing morning ragas and audience to enjoy them.

Sound system was very good and was appreciated by the performers. Temperature in auditorium was comfortable.

Special mention should go to the audience. Audience attended in big numbers (more than 100) even though it was Friday morning. When she asked if they would like to hear bandish or bhajan, the response was "both".

A very good morning concert and a wonderful experience.

Entertainment rating 9/10.

Disclaimer: I am a founder member of Anubhooti.

Swar Nakshatra (स्वर नक्षत्र)

Mandar's concert report

Attended concert titled "Swar Nakshatra (स्वर नक्षत्र)". Singers of the evening were Pradnya Deshpande & Pt. Hemant Pendse (a disciple of Pt. Jeetendra Abhisheki) accompanied by Dr. Narendra Chiplunkar (Samvadini), Kedar Paranjpe (Keyboard), Rajeev Hasabnees (Tabla), Manoj Bhandvalkar (Pakhwaj), Rajendra Salunkhe (Side rhythm) on 30th Jan 2015. The program was anchored by Ravindra Khare. This program was organized at Indira Sanskritik hall, Phaltan (फलटण) by Yashwant Co-op Bank Ltd to commemorate anniversary of their Kolki-Phaltan branch. I attended the program with my father. Format of the program was interesting. They had selected a few raagas and presented 2-3 songs of each one.

Concert started with Raag Yaman (यमन). Three songs in Yaman were presented. 'Sundar te dhyan (सुंदर ते ध्यान)', 'Man re parasi Hari ke charan' and Babuji's 'Jeevalaga kadhi re yeshil tu (जीवलगा कधीरे येशील तू)'.

Second raag was Bhoop (भूप). Pu. La. Deshpande's 'Maze jeevan gane (माझे जीवन गाणे)', Sudhir Phadke's 'Jyoti kalash jhalke (ज्योती कलश )', 'Dhund madhumati (धुंद मधुमती)', Pt. Abhisheki's 'Abeer gulal (अबीर गुलाल)' (This was a different rendition of the song from what I have heard earlier, I liked this one very much), 'Rang rang rangli.... Radha' probably of Master Krishnarao (मास्टर कृष्णराव) and finally 'Marmabandhatli thev hi (मर्मबंधातली ठेव ही)' of Dinanath Mangeshkar from play Sanyasta Khadg'

Next raag was Puriya Dhanashree (पुरीया धनश्री). Two songs were presented. 'Payaliya jhanaka..(पायलिया झनका..)' (The song was cut short after aalap) and 'Jeevalaga rahile re.. (जीवलगा राहिलेरे)'

Then came Khat. Khat is a mixture of six ragas. They presented 'Surat piya ki chin bisraye..(सुरत पियाकी छिन बिसराये)' Composed by Pt. Abhisheki from play 'Katyar kaljat ghusli'.

Next raag was Charukeshi (चारूकेशी). First song was 'Rutu hirwa rutu barva' written by Shanta Shelke and composed by Shreedhar Phadke. Then they presented 'He surano Chandra vha.. (हे सुरांनो चंद्र व्हा)' written by Kusumagraj from play Yayati-Devyani. Then a virani of Mirabai 'Neenda nahi ave ji (निंद नहीं आवे जी)' was presented with accompaniment of Harmonium and chords on key board without any percussion instrument.

Then came raag Pilu (पिलु). They presented a gavlan sadrush (गवळण सदृश) song composed by Pt. Pendse, 'Kashi jau mi vrundavana (कशी जाऊ मी वृंदावना)' on pre-recorded music track. Next came famous 'Nahi punyachi mojni..(नाही पुण्ण्याची मोजणी)' and finally they presented a Gharandaj Lavni 'Ka ho dharila majwar raag.. (काहो धरीला मजवर राग)'. Lavni requires dholki and there was no dholki. So tabalji played dholki pieces on Tabla. Interesting!

Last section was Abhang (अभंग). First composition was Janabai's 'Sant bhar Pandharit..(संत भार पंढरीत)' followed by apratim virani of Tukaran maharaj 'Bheti lage jeeva laglise aas.... (भेटीलागे जीवा)'. The program ended with a Bhairavi (भैरवी) 'Kaivalyachya chandanyala... (कैवल्याच्या चांदण्याला..)'

I would have liked if they had also given an introduction of each raag before first song, rather than going to the songs directly. I would have also liked to see a few duets. Although they had male and female singers, both sung solo songs.

Pradnya Deshpande had chosen all her songs in higher octave. She could have chosen a few in lower octave to demonstrate that she can sing in lower octaves. Pt. Hemant Pendse sung very well. Especially the songs with more classical base and the bandishes (बंदिश).

Anchor was a very knowledgeable person. His study of sant (संत) literature and current events was evident and he had a knack of quoting the quotes and poems most appropriately and with authority. He also provided interesting nuggets of interesting information. He was an ideal anchor that anchors but doors not overshadow.

All the musicians played well. Dr. Chiplunkar on Samvadini was the best. All in all a pleasing experience.

Auditorium was in a state of disrepair and unless something is done soon, it would not remain good enough for programs.

I had no plans to attend a concert this week end. It was an impromptu decision that turned out to be a good one.

Entertainment rating 8/10.

2014 year (ear) for music!!!

2014 year (ear) for music!!!

Year 2014 was a good year for music lovers in UAE. There were a number of concerts.

The ones that I attended are:

1. Nirvana 2014- Zhakir Hussein, Taufiq Qureshi, Louis Banks, Shankar Mahadevan & Niladri Kumar.
2. Jyoti Hegde (Rudraveena+Sitar) and Mrinalini Kotur (Sitar).
3. Upendra Bhat (Vocal).
4. Rajprasad Dharmadhikari (Tabla).
5. Betal zalet sur (Vidamban geete).
6. Shujat Khan (Sitar) & R. Prasanna (Guitar).
7. Amman Ali Khan (Sarod) and Ayyan Ali Khan (Sarod).
8. Dr. Kavita Gadgil (Vocal).
9. Kum B. Lakshmi Surya Teja (Vocal).
10. Hariprasad Chaurasia (Bansuri).
11. Padmini Rao (Vocal).
12. Ajay-Atul (Vocal).
13. Shivkumar Sharma (Santoor) & Rahul Sharma (Santoor).
14. Padmaja Phenany-Joglekar (Vocal).
15. Shubha Mudgal (Vocal).
16. Gulzar: Baat pashmine ki (Vocal).
17. Satish Vyas (Santoor).

And then there were some that I could not attend viz:

1. Kabir by Padmashree Pralhad Tipanya (Vocal)
2. L. Subramanian & Ambhi Ductac (Violin)
3. Sitar fusion by Chirag Katti (Sitar)
4. Rashdi Khan (Vocal) and Shahid Parvez (Sitar)
5. Laya raga sangamam by Sthree Thaal Tharang at Sudanese club (Instrumental)
6. Upendra Bhat (Vocal)
7. Srivalasan G. Menon (Vocal) Carnatic
8. Kathakali (Dance)

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU.

Pandit Satish Vyas (Santoor)

Attended concert of Pandit Satish Vyas (Santoor) accompanied by Ojas Adhiya  (Tabla) organized by Anubhooti at Embassy of India auditorium, Abu Dhabi, on 19th Dec 2014. Occasion of this concert was first anniversary of Anubhooti.

Concert started with raag Jhinjhoti. Panditji started with aalap. The minute, detailed and delicate pieces he played in aalap generated instant wah wah (Verbal applause). Then he played two compositions. First was in Jhaptal. Satishji and Ojas got multiple applauses for their soft as well as forte playing. Second was in drut Ektal. This too was applauded by audience. He played for one hour and ten minutes.

Then he presented Raag Chsrukeshi that was adopted by Hindustani music from Carnatic music. No need to mention that it was too good. This section also consisted of Sawal-Jawab. Audience applause had become a common feature by this time. He played for about fifty minutes.

Needless to say Satishji played excellently. He was in a sublime mood today. SBI Dhabi audience came to know why he is considered best Santoor player next only to Pt. Shivkumar Sharma.

Ojas played excellent tabla. Audience liked him very much. He has potential to become one of the greatest tabla player. I wish he does.

It was a full house. For the first time a number of people had come from Dubai for this concert. Sound system, though, was not on its best behavior.

Special mention should go to the audience. It was a knowledgeable and rasik audience who applauded in all the right places. In informal discussion post concert, Ojasji also appreciated the audience and the auditorium.

A wonderful experience. Entertainment rating 9.5/10.

Disclaimer: I am a founder member of Anubhooti.