Perfection in rendition

The first Sunday of May at Shilparamam saw a vocal concert by Harini Rao and a dance recital by Hari Mangalampalli and group. Harini is a student of Guru Swati Phadke and she is quite an upcoming star in the firmament of young and talented Hindustani classical musicians. Her mellifluous voice, original and creative concepts add lustre to her concerts.

She started off in a Bada Khyal "Dhan Dhan Bhag Jaage" in Vilambit Ektaal followed by Drut in Teentaal exploring the Raag Gorakh Kalyan. The term Khyal is an Urdu word, which literally means mood or imagination. This form of singing is attributed to Amir Khusro and generally refers to songs, which elaborate on a short and delicate lyrical composition.

It is today a most popular vocal form in North India. Harini started off in the Bada or Vilambit tempo where the words are sung in different and innovative ways in a slow manner and then went on to Drut which is fast paced. A Dadra "Sawariya Pyara" in Raag Pilu was next.

A beautiful Abhang in Maru Bihag by Tukaram "Sundar Te Dhyan" describes the Idol of Lord Vitthala at Pandharpur. The melodious lyrics were sweetly sung by the artiste with great devotion bringing the enchanting image of the Lord with earrings, hands on waist decked with Kaustubha and silken cloth giving overflowing happiness to his devotees.

A brief bhajan of MS Subbalakshmi's "Maitreem Bhajata" concluded the recital. The live orchestra comprises of Rahul Deshpande on harmonium and Srinivas Haridas on tabla. Samasutra and Saine Nrithyalaya presented a Bharatana tyam programme in the latter part of the evening. Hari Mangalampalli, Neha, Radhika, Kritika and Srinivas started with a Pushpanjali along with Mallari, which was crisp and energetic.

Neha and Kritika performed an invocation to Lord Vinayaka, "Ananda Nartana". Lakshmi Narasimha Stotram by Neha and Radhika was a majestic visualisation of Narasimhavataram especially the concluding tableaux of Lakshminarasimha eulogised by Prahlada.

The young students of Saine Nrithyalaya demonstrated their ability by assuming numerous poses while balancing on a pot with kalasams balanced on their heads. Hari's younger daughter stole the show by her enchanting depiction of the Krishna teasing the Gopis keeping perfect time to the beat. The rustic "Kavadichindu" by the older group of dancers delighted the audience. Thillana in Kadanakuthuhalam and Mangalam concluded the programme.

By:Anna Rao