Sri.O.S.Thyagarajan's Concert on 20th April 2014

Vidwan O.S.Thiagarajan                               - Vocal

Vidwan B.Raghuram                                      - Violin

Vidwan B.C.Manjunath                                 - Mridangam

Vidwan Raghavendra Prakash                      -  Ghatam

Concert Review:

Sri O.S. Thiagarajan presented a brilliant concert for Nadasurabhi, Bangalore. He was in top form and more over, in a very relaxed, jovial mood, which might have added to the success of the concert.  His voice was also in best condition. At the outset itself he stamped his authority as a senior vidwan with a sparkling swara for the begada varna which in itself is a lovable piece.

Karaharapriya raagam was very enjoyable. Selection of the relaxed Samaanamevaru as the kriti was absolutely fitting to the general mood and OST's style. Neraval at

Paluku Paluku was brilliant. There are very few vidwans who can have their neravals overshadow even the ragam and swaram portions of manodharmam. OST is definitely one.  The Paluku Paluku champion, Sri.Semmangudi would have been delighted to listen to this neraval.

There was a brief speech by OST here (very unusual from him). He shared his thoughts about how Thyagaraja was unique and head and shoulders above all other

vaggeyakkaaraas before, during and after his time. He, quickly added that the others were also great composers-listed a few incl SS and MD- but repeated that no one can come close to thyagaraja. He gave examples of the adjectives that thyagaraja would use in his kritis which were unparallelled . He pointed out the fact that he had sung almost all the songs from Thyagaraja that far and said that he himself doesn't know what he will sing for the rest of the concert!!

Then came Thodi ragam and the surprise thaanam. BC Manjunath who had tuned his mridangam after tha alapanai was himself taken by surprise. Just like I mentioned

about neraval, same is true for thaanam. Very few can make thaanam as the most impressive portion of an RTP. Definitely OST is one. Thaanam was remarkable.

It is important to mention the role of Sri.Raghuram on violin. He was in good form as well. Following was perfect to the last word. Sri. OST was mightily impressed. Also BC manjunath has become a mature mridangam vidwan probably also due his increasing international exposure to different kinds of specialists in percussion. Sri.OST acknowledged and encouraged everytime he made a beautiful usage. Raghavendra Prakash also gave good support.

The venue has been spruced up with a fresh coat of paint, all walls and backstage covered by thich curtains which may help in improving the acoustics. There was a real improvement in ambience. Thanks Heritage Academy.

Memorable concert indeed. Good concerts are said to raise our spirits. This concert really did.

Here is the list of songs:

1. Begada Varnam Inthachala followed by brisk swaras
2. Dhenuka Theliyaledu Rama (S)
3.Karaharapriya (R) Samanamevaru, Neraval at Paluku paluku, (S)
4.Atukara thani Manoranjani
5. Darbar (R) Ramabhi Rama (S) for Pallavi
6.Todi RTP in Chaturasra Triputa 2 Kale.
Pallavi line was Nigama sudhaVinodini Neerajadala lochani Paahi
7. Jonpuri Eppovaruvaro
8.Anadabhairavi Ramabhadra Ra ra
9.Brindavanasaranga Thillana Dheem tha dheem tha...Lalgudi Jaayaraman
10. Mangalam

Invitation:

Sri.O.S.Thyagarajan is a well known senior Carnatic vocalist. He had his earliest training in music under Tiger Varadachariar and Tanjore Ponniah Pillai. He is also a  disciple of illustrious stalwarts like Sangeetha Booshanam O.V.Subramanian, Padmabushan Lalgudi C. Jayaraman and Sangeetha Kalanidhi T.M. Thyagarajan. An ‘A’ grade artist of the All India Radio and of Doordarshan, he has been giving a large number of concerts all over India and several countries abroad. He is a recipient of very many prestigious awards and titles. He is being accompanied in this concert by highly talented artists.