The Hindu : Karnataka News : A mixed bag at ‘Alva’s Virasat’ on day three

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Sunday, Jan 06, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

A mixed bag at ‘Alva’s Virasat’ on day three

Govind D. Belgaumkar

The fusion music of ‘Heartbeat Ensemble’ steals the show

Percussion instruments played in unison thrill them
Sri Lankan dance adds flavour to
the event

MOODBIDRI: The pure rendition by the “Heartbeat Ensemble” of Ghatam Karthik and party from Chennai enlivened the five-day cultural meet, Alva’s Virasat, here on Friday, the third day of the programme. But the dance by the Sri Lankan troupe offered little to cheer about. Displaying a rare sense of understanding among themselves, the musicians presented a unique fusion music. Besides the “silent” violin of Embar Kannan, the “khanjira” of Sri Sundara Kumar and “mridangam” of Poongaulam Subramanian, and the rhythm pads of B.S. Arunkumar took the audience to a different world of enthralling music. Mr. Karthik, who presented two of his own compositions in Mayamalavagoula Raga and Jog, contributed greatly to the concert by occasionally playing the cymbals, singing now and then, and playing the ghatam. Tani avarthanam, where instrumentalists get an opportunity to display their mettle, made an impact on the audience, which included a large number of youth.

Rhythm pads

Beginning the concert with a Malhari in Raga Gambhiranatya, they launched into a tune called “pulse”. This was followed by “Maya” and “tranquility” and “ecstasy” in different ragas.

The rhythm pads came to be established as a Carnatic music instrument. With the flashes of spirit here and there, the two-hour dance performance by the 25-member Sri Lankan troupe added flavour and fervour to the programme and the audience which had witnessed the vibrant aerobics displayed by Manipuri dancers enjoyed the same.

Revolving plates

However, the manner in which one of the Lankan artistes balanced eight revolving plates simultaneously came in for thunderous applause.

Different experience

The artistes revolving around themselves at great speed and bending their body to the ground was also applauded by the audience in appreciation. Sunday promises to be more vibrant with popular playback singers, including Rajesh Krishnan, Archana Udupa, and M.D. Pallavi billed to present a three-and-a-half-hour film song-based programme.

It will be followed by a dance by 30 artistes from North India.

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