Bound with tradition

Ramakrishnan Murthy , a young vocalist sang brilliantly at Sri Krishna Gana Sabha. Raised in California and settled in Chennai for the sake of music, he sang some rare songs for the evening.He was accompanied by Smt Charumathi Raguram on the violin, Manoj Siva on the Mridangam and Madippakkam Murali on the Ghatam.

Ramakrishnan Murthy heralded the concert with a pada varnam in Karnataka Kapi, "Suma sayaka", a rarely heard composition of Swati Tirunal in rupaka talam with its lilting swara segments. This was followed by a Nattai raga rarely heard krithi , "Pavanathmajagacha paripoorna", a Dikshithar krithi in Jampa thalam. 

Ramakrishnan gave a delight to rasikas with an aalapanai in Shuddha Bangala and went to sing the famous "Rama Bhakthi". He enthralled the audience with brisk swaras at Rama bhakthi. He then moved to capture the audience mood with a quick sketch of Kambhodi to sing the famous "Maa Jaanaki". Perhaps, this was listener's choice. It was very evident to see the smiles in the audiences face. This contained extensive niraval and swara sections at "vani maata lencu". Packaging every part in a 2 hour concert is challenging. Ram did that with ease when he continued with an unhurried Ragam Thanam Pallavi in Kalyani. With well structured Thanam and Pallavi, "Un darisanam kidaikkumo Nataraja daya nidhe", Ram showcased his mastery. The swara presentation  in ragamalika comprising of Kaanada, Sahana and Darbari Kaanada forward and backward were a good treat to the listeners.

What followed in the post RTP segment contained Narayana Theerthar's composition "Govardhana Giridhara", Darbari Kaanada, and  "oorile kaani illai" followed by "vanga kadal kadaintha" in Surutti to wrap the concert.

Charumathi Raguram on the violin was a cool accompanient with her beautiful swaras in Kambodhi and Shudha Bangala.

The laya part of the concert were by Manoj Siva and Madippakkam Murali and it enriched the concert further.

In total, a very satisfying and a peaceful concert.

Ramakrishnan is an artist certainly to be looked for. His well structured presentation, selection of krithis are some commendable aspects that takes him places!. All the best, Ram!