Kunnakkudi Balamuralikrishna

Kunnakkudi M.Balamuralikrishna, a rare gem among the upcoming artists in the field of carnatic music, gave an extraordinary concert on Sunday, 19th June2016, performing for Nadasurabhi, at The Indian Heritage Academy Hall, Koramangala. As he sang the Varnam, the audience sat back comfortably, fully convinced that it was going to be a wholesome treat. The sahityam for all the chittaswaras of the varnam (which is very rare), and embellishment of the charana- nannu brova neeku with swaras added weight. His ‘Parvathi Parameshwaram’ in Raga Bouli was crisp and appealing. Next he delved in to rendition of Kalyani. His innovative ‘sancharas’ were refreshing and with his rich intonations he captivated the audience. He traversed with lot of ease in all the three octaves. The composition ‘Birana brova’ was replete with beautiful sangathis. Neraval and Swaraprastharam at ‘Nee pada pankaja….’ were ornamented with mature manodharmam. ‘Ninnadenella’ in Raga ‘Kannada’ with swaras was brisk and enjoyable. The main piece was in Raga Saveri. He made it very interesting with pleasing and melodious ‘sancharas’ and ‘brigas’. Presentation of St. Thyagaraja’s composition ‘Rama bana’ was full of ‘bhava’ throughout. Sparkling swara passages with interesting combinations were classy. After a brilliant and power packed ‘Tani avartanam’ by B.C.Manjunath – mridangam and G.Guruprasanna – khanjira, Balamuralikrishna went to present an RTP in Brindavani. Raga was sweet and melodious. The ragamalikai in tanam, added more charm to it. Pallavi was short and sweet. He concluded with a Purandaradasa devaranama and a Tiruppugazh. The three hour mesmerising concert delighted the jam packed hall of rasikas.

With his powerful voice, rich manodharmam, high energy level and vast repertoire, he is an asset to the field of Carnatic music.

Young Vittala Rangan on violin was outstanding with his following and his solo playing of ragas and swaras. He proved his excellence and maturity.

The percussion duo – B.C. Manjunath and Guruprasanna gave excellent support, with their perfect understanding of the mood of the main artist. Their authority over the instruments as senior, experienced artists was evident throughout.