Music, once again!

It was with the promise that I will write a second part to describe my impressions and feelings about the music concerts, I concluded my last posting. But it is a promise not meant to be fulfilled. I enjoyed myself thoroughly and there were many a time when I was elevated to a higher plane of bliss. Then why did i not write about them? Almost all the days of the season, I was fortunate to listen to good music, soak in it,revel in it and let myself soaked in romantic Kalyani, a grand and magnificent Thodi, a soothing Sankarabharanam smooth flowing Mohanam and many more such ragas. The 'Vidwat'of TM Krishna/'Bhawa in Jeyashree's singing/the depth and commitment in Sanjay's music - the list goes on. But what I experienced while listening to Aruna Sairam was astounding! In terms of sruti, accommodating the accompanying artists, reaching out to the audience and taking the listeners along with her and bringing out the true emotion behind every song, I would say, she simply is marvelous! While in that mood of listening, I could not put my feelings into words as my mind was full of swaras and words would have reduced the experience into a verbal analysis.(That was the way I felt). Sometimes, one feels the urge to share the feelings but this is not one of those time, I guess.

Then, came another concert of Aruna, as part of 'Smrutha Dhvani', to raise funds for supporting retiring accompanying artists. It was not a performance in 'kutcheri' format but a beautiful rendering of some great songs in different Indian languages. Aruna understands the lyrics, connects with the composer's feeling with sensitivity and sings the composition with dedication and in an utmost uninhibited manner. She touches a chord in the deep recess of your heart.

• Essaying of Amirthavarshini was like listening to the முதல் மழை of the monsoon falling on the trees, rivers, and on the parched earth! Her accompaniments as usual had such coordination and understanding with her that every song evoked distinct feelings and emotions. If it was the undulating expanse of sand and the gently swaying camels that came to your mind with 'Vaishnav Janato', it was Ganga in all her splendour who nourishes the millions of this land for countless years called to you when she sang Kabir's 'Suno, suno'.

Narsi Mehta's composition, the way she built up the song gave me at least a moment of absolute harmony with all things around me.(Though, I'm not a true vaishnavite with an all encompassing compassion for all creatures).

Kabir's 'suno, suno', she sang to the accompaniment of tabla, pakhawaj more than the others and it was a total bliss. The sufi essence of bhakti slowly pulled me into it that tears filled my eyes. She sang one sloka on Devi, A Gregorian chant, a Bharati song on Allah and Gurbani all as one item. It was not merely nivel but again touching because of her dedication and soulful singing.

It was the complete package that appealed to the aesthetic sense. The stage set up with the background pictures on the screen behind the artists just enhanced the beauty of the programme and enriched the listening experience.

If one feels I am lavish in my praise and may be exaggerating, each one is entitled to his/her view. I came back from the programme charged afresh that I sat down to write this after a long period of inaction.