It always is a joy for me to be a part of the audience of a Carnatic Music programme.

This recital was a trifle different. This was a 2-hour vocal recital of young adult, Vedanth Padmaraman, all of 21 years of age, learning Carnatic Music for the last many years. I have heard his recitals a few times and each time, there is a difference in the way he performs – be it his voice throw or his confidence or in the way he enjoys his recital and that of the accompanying musicians.

I remember telling him a few years back that I was looking forward for a 1-hour recital from him. It happened today, in double the duration. It was like listening to a ‘well-seasoning’ musician, all ready to take yet another next big step.

I am no music connoiseur but I found the repertoire of songs in the recital to be different –  a different starting with a song on Goddess Chamundeswari and an ending with a Kriti that signifies an auspicious occasion. This Kriti though had me wondering if that is how we should start each day – that it is an auspicious day and whatever we do, is auspicious – powerful way to end a recital or rather one that marks a beginning!!

Sure enough, his Guru, Vidwan S. Shankar would have worked with Vedanth in the choice of songs for the recital. Much guidance given as well, to bring Vedanth to this ‘stage’ of recital (no pun intended :-)). I have heard this saying, “A Guru always gives a part of him / her to their student.”

So much of AbyAsa, Payirchi, SAdana to get to this stage of recital. Much much focus, perseverence, commitment, resilience and dedication. Certainly his fire in the belly will help Vedanth pursue his passion for Carnatic Music. Here’s to more and more performances from him!!!

A vocal recital is complete with the accompanying musicians. What a joy it was to see the energy on stage, that was fueled by the camraderie and vibe between all the musicians. Lively indeed!!

Smiles that were exchanged, looks that spoke volumes of appreciation for the other, a non-verbal banter. At different times I wondered if the accompanying musician and the instrument were playing for and with each other. It was like a conversation between the two of them. The sabash and the wah wah and the wow was proof of the pudding 🙂

The accompanying musicians – Vidwan R. Karthikeya on the Violin, Vidwan S. P. Nagendra Prasad on the Mridangam and Vidwan Tirumale Gopi Shravan on the Morsing, truly accompanied in the recital today.  It was a joy listening to the thani Avardhanam (the solo performances by the percussionists after the main composition). The solo performances merge after almost 20 minutes into a brief  Jugalbandhi of sorts.

What is a delight to hear alongside the thani Avardhanam, is hearing people (the musicians and some in the audience) tapping their hands to the thAlA of the composition. The audience seems merged with the musicians on stage. Amazing oneness!!

The recital today was like a flow of a large body of water – seamless, bountiful and calming. Everything goes with the flow and if you are in the audience, you too go with the flow. Even after the recital ends, you are still with the flow 🙂

The meaning of some of the words in the Kriti, is doing the loop in the mind –  it is an auspicious day and whatever we do is auspicious.