If you are one of those keen on Indian Classical music and were not present at the Avondale College Auditorium on October 2, you would have reason to cry.
You missed one of the finest concerts that included solo performances and jugalbandi, orchestrated by unparalleled combination of innovative spirit, synergy and symphony.
For more than two hours, the artistes displayed such mastery over Hindustani and Carnatic Music that none of the enthusiasts wanted the programme to end.
Tabla master Ustad Fazal Qureshi was of course the undisputed leader, executing ragas and time-honoured compositions proficiency that was true to his linage; after all, he is the younger son of the legendary Ustad (Late Allah Rakha Qureshi) and younger brother of the immensely popular Zakir Hussain.
In what could be considered as an amazing hybrid of traditional raga forms with contemporary modal embellishments, Fazal demonstrated why he is held in high esteem by fans across the ethnic and cultural spectrums worldwide. The Tabla was under his control, from executing intricate classical numbers and hymns to bringing forth thunder, lightning and rain. The applause grew louder as the movement of his fingers and hands on the instrument brought forth the sound of a moving train, complete with the long whistle and change of track!
Professor Shukdev Madhur, perhaps the senior-most violinist in New Zealand, was an epitome of tranquillity and discipline, with a touch of class. His executive of Yemen Raga in Hindustani style evoked the emotive appeal, which was fully captured by his ‘student’ Dr Ashok Malur, who proved that he is a violinist par excellence. With his affable manners and sprightly humour, he added lustre to his performance. ‘Raghuvamsha Sudha’ in Kadanakuthuhalam’ ragam, composed by Patnam Subramanya Iyer was among the highlights of the concert.
The post-interval session, which featured the Jugalbandi, had some interesting moments, with Fazal rendering instant support on the Tabla as the Mridangam suddenly went out of tune. The Carnatic music combination of Dr Malur and Dr Suresh Ramachandran (Mridangam) and Professor Madhur and Fazal (Hindustani) lifted the standard to new heights.
Their Hamsadhwani (Carnatic) comprised Alapana, Tanam (a rarity these days) and Pallavi was well matched by Alap, Jodh and Jhala in the Hindustani version.
Their rendition of ‘Dama Dum Mast Kalandar’ was the crowning part of the concert.
