Bangalore Shankar

Chaste Classicism in Vidwan Shankar's concert

Bangalore S Shankar presented a carnatic music concert on Sankranthi Day, the 15th of January 2012. He is known for his strict adherence to tradition. With his booming voice, Sri. Shankar impressed the audience by his music of undiluted classicism. Vocal support was provided by his son Sri. Ramani. Accompanying artists were three veterans in their respective instruments, Smt. Nalina Mohan on violin, Sri.Cheluvaraju on Mridangam and Smt. Sukanya Ramgopal on Ghatam.

Sri.Shankar commenced with a Oogabhoga Aadiyallai Gajamukhana in Nattai followed by the popular Vandisuvudaadiyali both by Purandara dasa. Then there was a string of several Thyagaraja kritis, starting with the Vachaspathi kriti Kantajoodumi for which there was neraval and swaram at Alanaadu. Next were the lighter Enta Muddo in Bindumalini and Tatwameruga in Garudadhwani. The sub-main piece was Todi Emijesithi with raga alapanai. Neraval and swarams were at Varamanthramu. It was steeped in bhava and raga lakshana. Three quick numbers, a purandaradasa's Malayamarutha kriti Karunaa nidhiye, Marugelara in Jayanthasree and the ataana fast piece Anupamagunambudi were rendered.

Raga alapanai of Mukhari with the Purandara dasa kriti Palisenna Muddu Sharade was emotively presented befitting the depth of the raga. The main piece of the day was Pantuvarali which was elaborated nicely with Raghuvarannu chosen as the song. Neraval and swaram were at Manasunika.

Then came the grand thani avarthanam which deservedly won a standing ovation from the audience. Highly spirited Cheluvaraju and Sukanya were in top form constructively complementing each other in the build up to a super crescendo and filled the hall with the beauty of their layam. This was one of the best thala vaadyam experiences one would have had in recent times. A delighted Sri. Shankar himself, turning to the mridangam vidwan commented "You are the hero!".

The tail pieces were Srikantha enagishtu of purandaradasa, rendered in Darbari Kaanada (instead of the usual Kaanada), Hari smarena maado- Yaman Kalyani, Pavaraja stuti patra- Kurunji, and a ooghabhoga in Sindubhairavi followed by the popular Tamboori Meetidava. Mangalam itself was a ragamalika slokam on Saint Thyagaraja composed by Sri.Padmanabhan followed by the usual pavamaana in Sourashtram.

Overall the concert was very satisfactory.

Vidwan S. Shankar is one of the senior most carnatic musicians of Karnataka. Having a concert experience of more than four decades, Sri.Shankar is a A TOP grade artist of AIR. He has performed all over India and the USA. He has to his credit many jugalbandi concerts with senior Hindustani artists as well. He has been awarded a number of titles and awards by prestigious organisations.

In this concert, he is accompanied by all senior artists who have brought fame and pride to Karnataka, by performing on all popular stages for decades.