Music in three dimensions

PRAYAG or Triveni Sangamam at Allahabad is where the three rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi merge. The last mentioned is the mythical `Guptha Gamini'. The talented musicians (brothers) O. S. Tyagarajan, O. S. Sundar and O. S. Arun have named their new centre `Prayag' and a performance was held on July 15 under the auspices of Sangeet. The performance was a great success at the Narada Gana Sabha Hall. The trio divided music into three divisions - Sampradaya Bhajan (OSS), Sastriya Sangeetham (OST) and Hindustani music (OSA). Sundar opened the concert with sampradaya bhajan ``Thodaya Mangalam''. The Dyana slokam was rendered in `Chandrakauns' which was melodious followed by Chintayale of Narayana Theertha. Tyagarajan rendered the slokam of Ashtapadi in Anandabhairavi followed by a brief sketch of Sankarabharanam and the Ashtapadi `Pasyathi' with good diction of sahitya. Sastriya Sangeetham was rendered with skill and proficiency. While Kambodi (``Emaiya Rama'') of Bhadrachala Ramadas was sedate and made an impact, Kharaharapriya reflected the artiste's manodharma. Subha Pantuvarali was soulfully rendered with a Purandaradasa Devaranama, ``Neene Anatha Bandhu''.

Hindustani music was skilfully rendered. Arun delighted the audience with ``Gayathri Vanamali'' in Hamsadhwani (Madhyama Sruthi) which was tuned by Dr. Balamuralikrishna long ago. ``Chalomana Ganga theer'', a bhajan of Tulasi Das, popularised by Paluskar drew spontaneous applause. The orchestra gave full support to the artistes.

Performing for Tyagaraja Vidwath Samajam, Radha Ramji presented a satisfying concert. The Pantuvarali varnam was followed by ``Brocheva revaru'' in Sriranjani with a short spell of swaras. Sri Lakshmi played a neat Vachaspathy on the violin. V. Kalyanaraman (mridangam) rendered good support.

- R.S.

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