Kavitha Devarajan and Srilatha Renjith, a relatively unknown duo, paired up for an impressive performance at this sabha. Disciples of Seetha Rajan, they began their concert with her varnam in Hindolam and made an impact right away. Their pleasant voice blended well to provide music of substance. Equally striking was the support provided by N.C. Bharadwaj (mridangam), who keenly observed the unfolding of unfamiliar songs and followed them with uncanny anticipation. There was a brisk ‘Narasimha Mamava’ in Aarabhi followed by an alapana of Varali by Srilata. It was adequate but not extraordinary. The kriti ‘Eti Jenmamiti’ came through effectively. ‘Kumaran Thaal’ demonstrated Papanasam Sivan’s ability to package Yadukulakhambodi in a fast kriti. ‘Sri Lalite’ (Lalita) was average.
Kavitha’s Malayamarutham (‘Dhanyudevvado’) was interesting. Niraval and swaras at ‘Vara Maddala’ brightened up the concert. After a quick ‘Kamala Charane’ (Amruta Behag, GNB), Srilata started singing Saveri, the main raga for the evening. Kavitha took over the second half of the alapana and between the two they did justice to the raga. A.G. Venkatasubramanian (violin) wielded the bow without a scratch even at the high sruti of the sisters and played the entire Saveri alapana on regular octave. Tyagaraja’s ‘Rama Bhana,’ was refreshing and fitted well as the main piece of the concert. The sisters sang niraval and swaras at ‘Emani Pogadudura,’ with perfect understanding and coordination. Their swara renditions were a good blend of sarva laghu in the early stages and kuraippu and kanakku towards the finish. It reflected an open mind to accept both approaches to swara-singing and enhanced the concert-effect.
N.C. Bharadwaj’s abundant talent was evident in the way he paid close attention to the music and provided apt rhythmic support throughout the concert. His thani held the attention of the audience and won generous applause. The end pieces were ‘Sapasya Kousalya’ in Jonpuri and a Purandaradasa kriti in Madhuvanti. Kudos to the sabha for bringing forth a talented duo who could do a successful concert rooted in classicism!
