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Raag Anuraag
Parameshwar Hegde Music Academy, CD, Rs. 200
Raag Anuraag, the two-CD pack, is the most unusual album of these times. Not just in terms of content, but also as an endeavour. It contains 25 tracks of different ragas of the Hindustani repertoire, preceded by a short introduction to each of these ragas. The most important thing is that they are all sung by students of music and not by professional musicians. However, from the very beginning what is glaring is the remarkable professionalism to the entire production. The crisp renditions, the meticulous scripting of music as well as the spoken word, the structure everything speaks of perfect presentation skills. The credit must go to Pandit Parameshwar Hegde (concept and direction), who’s the guiding spirit of this album. Not many teachers can boast of having trained so many competent students.
Amrita Rao who opens the album with her rendition of Madhuvanti is outstanding. There’s an amazing poise and an enviable maturity to her singing.
The manner in which the special notes are introduced is absolutely graceful. She also sings Kedar, (“Nave ninaar” is lovely) and Shankara in the album. If I was struck by another voice and rendition it was of Shridhar Hegde (he’s not Hedge as it says in sleeve notes). His singing is so reflective, it haunts. Anagha Hindlekar’s robust voice soars octaves with amazing felicity. I liked her more in Sohini than in Bhimpalasi, which had a few slip ups and rough edges.
Netra Nath’s rendition of “Hey chandrachud” was powerful. Atma Deepak was very impressive in Kalyan. The creative passages in her music were worth noting. The well-researched and presented album has lovely harmonium support by Vyasmurthi Katti. Equally good is the tabla support by Gopalakrishna Hegde.
For those who want to buy this album contact Parameshwar Hegde Music Academy at parameshwarhegdeacademy@gmail.com
DEEPA GANESH
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