Raagas that paid tribute to the guru

CHENNAI: In the auspices of the Rukmini Arangam in Kalakshetra on Saturday evening, it was a soulful treat of Carnatic classical music by popular sister duo, Ranjani and Gayathri. The occasion was the presentation of the MS Memorial Annual Award to PS Narayanaswamy by the Bharatiya Sangeetha Vaibhavam Trust. Ranjani and Gayathri expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their guru, PS Narayanaswamy, stating that it was he who inspired, motivated and encouraged them to pursue classical singing. Mentioning an attribute of their guru, they said while imparting training, “He would ensure that the individuality of the singer is highlighted. He believes that there is an uniqueness and a gifted quality associated with every voice.” Guru PS Narayanaswamy is also an inspiration to today’s generation. The duo started off with a Thyagaraja krithi, Guruleka etuvanti in Gowri Manohari raaga and Jhampa thaalam, as an obeisance to their guru. Next to follow was the composition titled Ramasabhapathy Darisanam Oru Naal Kandaal, in Dhanyasi raaga and Aadi thaalam. The third composition was again a Thyagaraja Krithi in Arabhi raaga and Misra Chappu thaalam titled O Rajeevaksha. A Muthuswami Dikshithar composition followed next in Ananda Bhairavi raaga and Roopaka thaalam titled Thyagaraja Yoga Vaibhavam. This was a slow-paced composition and both the compositions had aalapnaas. Sarasa sama dana bedha dhanda chatura,  a fast-paced number in Kapi Narayani raaga, followed next. An elaborate Pallavi in Poorvi Kalyani raaga, a Muthuswami Dikshithar composition titled Meena Lochani Paasa Mochini followed next. As a tribute to MD Ramanathan, who had lived, sung and composed in the auspices of the Kalakshetra, the duo sang a composition by him in Bageshwari raaga. The vocalists were accompanied by MR Gopinath on the violin, KV Prasad on the mridangam and H Prasanna on the ghatam.