The magic touch
MANU REMAKANT
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MUSIC Sivamani enchanted the audience with his artistry on the drums.
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SKILL AND SHOWMANSHIP: Sivamani in full flow at the 'Nishangandhi Festival 2005' in Thiruvananthapuram.
It was a magical evening for thousands of people in the Nishagandhi open-air auditorium as the renowned percussionist Sivamani set up a pulsating beat that had the audience on their feet. The programme was organised in connection with the `Nishagandhi Festival 2005.'
Sivamani, chief percussionist for A.R. Rahman, presented a one-hour solo performance that left the audience craving for more.
He used his voice and a huge ensemble of drums to captivate the crowd who applauded each beat of his. Clad in a long white kurta and turban, Sivamani looked and played the part of the magician to perfection as he mesmerised the crowd with his dazzling showmanship and skill. When he felt that the audience's interest was waning, he suddenly changed the rhythm and the pace, and the audience would again be on their feet, clapping and shouting `Siva... Siva... .' Sivamani seemed to be enjoying the enthusiastic response of the audience as he made them dance, clap and shout in joy.
Spectators held their breath when they saw Sivamani juggle his drumsticks without missing a single beat. The frenzied beats of the drums gave way to silence, which was broken by applause. Familiar rhythms enlivened the programme. The most exceptional one was akin to a piece of conversation amongst the percussion instruments. He made the drums, whisper, roar and thunder. He worked his magic on the drums to produce a symphony. Sometimes one had to strain to catch the soft beats as he seemed to caress the drums. Gradually, the tempo increased and each beat boomed, setting up a steady rhythm that reached a crescendo.
At the end of the programme, Sivamani told the elated crowd that he "simply loves performing in Kerala," which is one of his most favourite places.
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Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
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