Prapancham Balachandran

1. Sarasuda – Varnam Saveri

2. Vathapi Ganapathim Hamsadhwani (R,S @ Pallavi)

3. Endaro Mahanubhavulu Sri

4. Ganamurhte Ganamurthi (R,N,S @ Navamege teja)

5. Marivere dikkevaru Lathangi (R,S @ pallavi)

6. Nannu vidachi Rithigowla

7. Ramakatha sudha Madhjyamavathi (R,S) Tani avartanam

8. Jagadhodharana Kapi

9. Kurai onrum illai Ragamalikai

10. Ethiruhalanu Nadanamakriya

11. Thillana Revathi

12. Pavamana Mangalam

Vidwan Prapancham Balachandran is a seasoned flautist who had training from illustrious gurus. He gave a mellifluous flute recital for Nadasurabhi on Sunday, 16th July. This being an instrumental concert, he made choice of familiar songs so that the audience could enjoy the songs. His choice of ragas, were also appealing. He started with the Saveri varnam in 2 speeds. The popular song Vathapi Ganapathim in Hamsadhwani with a brief alapana and swara prasthara later, were enjoyable. His rendition of Endaro Mahanubhavulu, in a comfortable tempo was classy. Thyagaraja’s composition Ganamurthe in raga Ganamurthi was very pleasing, particularly the raga alapana, as this song and raga appear to be most suitable for playing on the flute. Neraval and swaram at Navamega teja appeared novel. Lathangi raga exposition was full of ‘bhava’ and Marivere dikkevaru of Patnam Subramanya Iyer was dignified. Nannu vidachi in Ritigowla came as a breath of fresh air after a heavy Lathangi. Main raga for the day was Madhyamavathi. The lilting melody was fully exposed in the alapana followed by the majestic composition, Ramakatha sudha with beautiful kalpanaswaras. This was followed by a ‘Tani avartanam’ of a good standard. Ever green Jagadodharana, Kurai onrum illai were full of melody and charm. Thillana in Revathi was lilting . Over all, the concert was very appealing and could capture the interest of the audience. The artist employed a medium tempo for the raga and songs with an unhurried swara prasthara throughout which helped in bringing out the melody of the instrument effectively. His ragam, neraval and swaras were compact, leaving no room for monotony.

The accompanying artist played their supportive roles very well. Vidwan R. Dayakar on violin was good in his following and Vidwan Cheluvaraju on Mridangam and Vidwan Gurumurthy on Ghatam played well to enhance the concert.