Vocalist Ramakrishnan Murthy enthrals audience at music festival

Energetic, elaborate and explorative concert by vocalist Ramakrishnan Murthy at the 58th anniversary of Ragapriya Chamber Music Club, with the percussion support from Sivateja Mallajoysula on the violin and NC Bharadwaj on the Mruthangam drew an applause from the rasikas.

Murthy began with the varnam “neranammitinayya nityamuga” in Kannada, worshipping Lord Srinivasa, who is incomparable (“nir-upama”) and in whom Goddess Sri lives (“nivasa”). He exhibited his vocal flexibility for complex rhythm with deep emotional expression.

His next rendition was “Vatapi Ganapatim” by Muthuswami Dikshitar in hamsadwani in praise of Lord Ganesha—specifically at Vatapi (modern Badami), the supreme remover of obstacles which set a positive tone for the concert.

Thyagaraja’s “Seetamma Maayamma” in Vasanta, in which Tyagaraja states all Bhagavatas are his most intimate relatives, was very elaborate and expressive.

He infused positive energy and set the mood with elaborate improvisation in Kalyani, which was equally mirrored by the violinist. The niraval “ sidambaram ena manam” evoked devotion (bhakti), and profound peace.

The vocalist then in quick succession rendered “Vazhi maraithirukkuthe malai pole” on Tirupunkur temple by Gopalakrishna Bharathi (Nandanar charitram) in Nattakurinji.

Then he chose to sing a Navagraha Kriti on Mercury, to seek refuge through “Budhamaashrayaami Satatam” by Dikshitar in Nata Kuranji. Our real status is devotion to Lord. This was well expressed in his rendition of “Padavi ni sadbhaktiyu galgute” by Thyagaraja in ragam Saalaka Bhairavi.

Thodi, the main raga of the evening for “kartikeya kangeya gowri” by Papanasam sivan, Murthy expressed deep emotion, devotion and endless creative scope. The niraval “maruvum amalakara aarumugaa” was applauded by the rasikas.

Throughout the concert, the violinist mirrored and expanded upon the vocalist’s improvisations. The mridangist, who took centre stage to show his skill and speed during the solo Mridangam Tani, came in for a big round of applause.