|
Entertainment
Listening was a pleasure
Prapancham Balachandran... soothing harmonious essay.
THE FLUTE concert of Prapancham Balachandran, senior disciple of N. Ramani, was heartening in the sense that there was a sizeable, knowledgeable crowd to enjoy the instrumental music in spite of the early hour. The excellent acoustics at the Chettinad Vidyashram auditorium and the absolutely sensitive amplification heightened listening pleasure. The programme was off to a flowing start with the popular Saveri Varnam in Adi talam followed by an invocatory song on Lord Ganesa, ``Vara Vallabha Ramana" in Hamsadwani by G. N. Balasubramaniam. The artiste's fluent swara matrices in the Pallavi, responded to with alertness by the violinist, M. R. Gopinath, were effected with clinical precision. Ganamurthi, the 3rd Melakartha chosen for elaboration, was well indicative of the flautist's veracity to handle vivadhi ragas with consummate ease and melody. The violinist focussing on the raga bhava emerged with flying colours. ``Ganamurthi" of Tyagaraja was a xerox copy of Ramani's interpretation.
Mohanam is a pentatonic charmer that never fails to win hearts. Balachandran's delineation with clean, strong blowing, punctuated with cohesive prayogas was a soothing harmonious essay. Gopinath's mettle was obvious in his reply.
Tyagaraja's ``Evaroora" in misrachapu and the sharp solfa sequences in the Pallavi were well received. The percussion artistry of Mannargudi Easwaran had the texture of seasoned wine. His anticipation while donning the mantle of an accompanist and his creative ability during the tani avartanam were classic displays of performing skills.
Pudukkottai Ramachandran on the ghatam provided solid support, a concert that augured well for the future of the flute that perhaps has less takers in the contemporary scenario compared to violin and other percussion instruments. — S.P.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Entertainment
|
