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Chords `n' Notes

Sri Venkatesa Suprabhatam by Shankar Mahadevan

Music Today, Rs.225

To wake up each morning to the melodious strains of Venkatesa Suprabatham used to be - and remains even today in many a household - an essential daily chore. It is believed that Lord bestows prosperity in abundance to devotees who recite the Suprabhatam each morning. In lots of temple around the country the day begins with the recitation of the Venkatesa Suprabhatam. At the revered Balaji temple at Tirumala each morning the Suprabhatam is recited to `wake' up the Lord. For most of us who have grown up hearing the Suprabhatam rendered by the legendary MS, it is difficult to believe that someone else too - like Shankar Mahadevan - can sing the sacred verses so beautifully, in a voice oozing piety. Shankar has done a superb job, his pronunciation is flawless, delivery impeccable and the overall effect he leaves is simply electric. And for a man who left us all breathless in his widely acclaimed `breathless' song, his pace is unhurried, supremely serene. While MS sings at a much faster tempo, and mostly without any background score, this man sings at just the right pace where each and every word is delivered with such a rare grace.

The man is simply cut out for such meaningful renderings, his outstanding voice is a testimony to this. The CD is very well produced and the accompanying music by Narayan Mani is soothing. The text of the Suprabhatam and the Venkatesa Stotram is also given along with the CD, which is very useful. This offering from Music Today is an excellent buy, indeed a collector's item, and a must for those who like to begin the day the auspicious way.

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