The dynamic Mysore Brothers Nagaraj and Dr Manjunath accompanied by Bangalore Arjun Kumar on the Mridangam and Giridhar Udupa on the Ghatam delighted Auckland music lovers on August 23 at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre, Epsom Girls Grammar School.
Throughout the Concert, organised by Rasikas NZ and Sangeetha Bharathi School of Music, these internationally acclaimed artistes enthralled an audience of ardent music lovers with their unique style.
Some of the prominent ragas were ‘Dvijawanti’ (‘Akhilandeshwari by Muthusami Dikshitar), ‘Malayamarutham’ (‘Manasa’ by Saint Thyagaraja), ‘Ananda Bharavai’ (‘Mariveri’ by Shyama Sastri) and ‘Hindolam’ (‘Manasuloni’ by Saint Thyagaraja).
It was a superb programme filled with melody creating an instant bliss and joy.
Extraordinary talent
The ‘dream team’ displayed extraordinary talent in their Ragam, Tanam and Pallavi, comprising ragams like Saveri, Neelambari and Kanada.
Of special note was ‘Srinivasa Gopala Mukunda Rasikapriya Hare’ (Pallavi), which received a long ovation.
At the request of a music fan, the Mysore Brothers delightfully rendered the famous Madurai Mani Iyer’s ‘English Note’ to a thundering applause.
It was a traditional Carnatic Classical Music concert at which the “Manodharma’ was followed strictly but with a lot of improvisations in distinct styles. Melody reigned supreme in every rendition of the artists.
Excellent artistes like the Mysore Brothers take the glory of Carnatic Music to greater heights. The concert reminded us that Classical music is the mother of all sounds. It prepares you for every musical test and adventure.
Arjun Kumar and Giridhar Udupa created magic with their fingers on their instruments.
Editor’s Note: ‘Manodharma’ is a form of improvised music, created on the spot during a performance but within the confines of strict grammar of music, as confided in the raga and/or the talam.
Meena Venki Iyer is an ardent Carnatic Music follower and is present at almost all concerts. She wrote the review with inputs from Jayasree Sitaraman.
