Hindustani ragas well-handled

HINDUSTANI MUSIC lovers in Chennai are most familiar with Pt. Krishnanandji. It is not an exaggeration to say that Pt. Krishnanandji was one of the first pioneer to create an awareness and understanding of Hindustani classical music in Chennai. His dedicated efforts for over 30 years are bearing fruits now. It was evident from the overwhelming turnout at the Swamy Hall in the evening on June 17. The Krishnanand Music Circle which is due to celebrate its 25th anniversary in the coming year, aims to promote Hindustani classical music in Madras. Apart from staging Panditji's students, the circle also invites other artistes to Chennai.

Shakthi whose inaugural concert was on that Sunday, is his 38th student to perform. Shakthi started the concert with Raag Madhuvanthi, vilambit ek taal and drut teen taal. This was followed by Krishnanand's own composition in raag Yaman, Guru Charana was beautifully rendered. Raag Behag was handled very well and she presented yet another vilambit and drut in this raag. The Surdas Bhajan in Shivaranjani and Meera Bhajan in Bhairavi were self-evident of her expertise.

Shakthi has a rich voice over which she has superb control. The shruti suddha and the ease with which she handled the raags was fascinating. Sri Chandrasekar on the violin, Sri Rajesh Davale on the tabla and Sri Prathapgiri on the harmonium gave excellent support.

Veteran Vidya Shankar who presided over the function and Thrissur Ramachandran, himself a student of Pt. Krishnanandji, complimented the artiste and paid their tribute to Panditji on his unfailing commitment to popularising Hindustani classical music among the Chennai audience.

PUSHPA LAKSHMAN

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