Shertallai Renganatha Sharma- Vocal on 16th Dec 2012

Concert Review:

The third Sunday of December once again saw the commencement of Nadasurabhi monthly concert on time at 4.15 PM. This month's vocalist was Shertallai (Cherthala) Dr.Renganatha Sharma who is a professor of music in Madurai. The outstanding feature of the concert was the majestic flawless voice of Dr.Sharma, which kept everyone's attention throughout the three hour performance. The Indian Heritage Academy Hall was packed to capacity and was overflowing.

Dr.Sharma commenced with the Varnam in Shankarabharanam, Chalamela. The traditional ganesha sthuthi followed, in the form of Pranatosmi devam vinayakam in Nattai, which led to the lovable Atana raga kriti Parama paavani. There were a few rounds of swarams for both which were impressive. The sub-main piece was a lighter raga, hamsaanandi, which is normally reserved for thukkadas. Dr.Sharma 's rendition of the raga, followed by the less popular number of Harikesanallur Muthiah Bhagavathar, Sadchaamara ramaavaani followed by kalpana swarams, was highly impressive and enjoyable. A Kalanidhi piece, Chinna naadena of Thyagaraja was a filler. Muthusamy Dikshitar's Anandabhairavi piece Kamalaamba samrakshatu after a brief outline of ragam was followed by a behag piece Paahi Krishnaa vasudeva. The Main item of the evening was Thodi which was elaborated  extensively covering all nuances and aspects of the grand ragam. An effortless sruti bedham was also highly appreciated. Dikshitar's Sree subramanyo maam rakshatu once again with neraval, swara prasthaara was a grand presentation. Jagadodhaarana , Meera Bhajan and a Lalgudi thillana were the concluding pieces. Mangalam and palasruthi of Papanasam Sivan, Karpagame, concluded the wonderful event.

Vidwans TS Krishnamurthy, V.Krishna and Omkar gave good undertanding support to the main artist.

Invitation:

Dr. Renganatha Sharma comes from the rich musical lineage of Kerala, instituted by Semmangudi Srinivasa lyer. After doing M. A., M.Phil., and PhD, all in Carnatic Music, Dr.Sharma is now the Professor of the Music College in Madurai. He has won numerous awards from organizations like the Music Academy,Indian Fine Arts and Sri Ragam Fine Arts in Chennai. He is also Asthana Vidwan of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. He is an A Grade artist of AIR and DD and is performing regularly in both these media besides stage performances in almost all prestigious carnatic music platforms.