An assortment of ragas
Crescendo - CXSCL10088 - Carnatic Classical Violin - Alaipayudhe - Kunnakudi R. Vaidyanathan - Rs. 45.
IT HAS to be said that Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan, the maverick musician who has adapted his characteristic style of violin playing, is the cynosure of innumerable rasikas of South Indian music. His solo concert for Crescendo begins with an unusual sketch of Hamsadhwani followed by an energetic version of Suddhananda Bharatiar's "Arul Purivai" made more energetic and spirited with the enthusiastic participation of the accompanists on the mridangam, ghatam and morsing.
The battery of swaraprastharas do hold attention. "Nenenduvedakudura" is mentioned as a Harikambhoji raga kriti in the leaflet. Normally, the raga is known as Karnataka Behag. Mohanam is delineated with sustained Karvais and melodic phrases, as also typical Kunnakudi prayogas that are sure to go well with the many fans of the Kunnakudi club.
"Bhavanutha'' of Tyagaraja, an instrumentalist's delight, is a vibrant, vivacious and vigorous version. The swara sequences including the divisions and sub-divisions, the concluding passages and the korvai with a clipped bow technique give an insight into the artiste's unusual musical approach. One normally does not expect Bilahari to immediately follow Mohanam, but Kunnakudi's art is like an assorted box of chocolates, one cannot anticipate the flavour.
The raga alapana of Kanada with many pleasing sancharas conforming to the classical idiom and Uthukadu Kavi's "Alai Payude" find the vidwan at his aesthetic best.
The lively kalpanaswaras, indicative of the vidwan's command over the instrument, lay the platform for a precise tani avarthanam by the percussionists. Narayana Tirtha's tarangam in Nilambari and Subramania Bharathiyar's popular "Aaduvome'' in Mand are commendable listening fare.
Kunnakudi is undoubtedly an entertainer.
Crescendo - CXSHI Dev6006 - Hindi Devotional - Shri Ram Bhajans - Swami Haridas Giri - Rs. 35.
Swami Haridas Giri, a spiritual leader in recent years, was a renowned exponent of Nama Sankeerthanam. Devotees thronged to his devotional music programmes. His emotive articulation of the sacred names of the Hindu deities created a divine atmosphere, lifting the human spirit considerably. In this album, he has sung several Hindi Bhajans of Tulsidas, Kabirdas, and Meera. The music is composed by Swamiji himself, and the choral group comprises members of the Sri Gnanananda Namasankeerthana Mandali. Swamiji's full-throated singing, with clear enunciation and deep involvement, is an edifying experience conducive to relaxation. — S.P.
New releases
Vedu's Music Mind (Phone: 5213 1501/ 5214 9005; e-mail: vedusrcl@yahoo.com) has released three CDs — Sabharinadham, a garland of songs in keeping with the spirit of the season, Karyasiddhi Vedic Mantras To Solve Financial Problems rendered by Sri Kaagabhujandar Swamigal, and "Magamayee!" on Mother Goddess. Cassettes are also available. Geethanjali (Super Audio Pvt. Ltd., www.musicandchants.com) has released a CD of Dhanvantari Puja (Sanskrit recital). The slokas have been recited by a team led by R. Thyagarajan. Aum Colour Meditation has the Mantra chanted by Sudha Raghunathan. This VCD, a therapy by Dr. Bhupen Vyas, visually explains the chakras and associated factors in the human body and the colours that are best suited for each section. The chanting is heard continuously in the background.
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