Guruvandanam singing troupe at Narada Gana Sabha in Chennai | Photo credit: R. Ragu
Conducting a large Carnatic music choir is usually an energy-draining job with little return in terms of musical aesthetics. But not when you have someone as accomplished and inspiring as Avasarala Kanyakumari at the helm.
So, it was an enchanting evening as Team Mohana Dubai organised ‘Guru Vandanam 2024’ at the Narada Gana Sabha Hall recently under the aegis of Brahma Vidya Trust – a tribute to the violinist who was also the chief guru of this group. Over 80 singers and seven instrumentalists came together to render 10 select compositions of Saint Annamacharya, composed by Kanyakumari, and also a Tillana called ‘Trishaakthi’ composed by her.
Kanyakumari is on the verge of completing 60 years of her journey as a performing violinist, and her rich experience was on display when she performed 10 kirtanas composed in melodious ragas and simple talas. Not just the melodic aspect of the songs, but also the sweet interval patterns show what a fine blend of precision, sharpness and versatility she is.
The choir was guided by violinist Kanyakumari. Photo Credit: R. Ragu
Annamacharya (1408-1503), was a philosopher and musician-singer who hailed from Tallapaka near Tirupati. He is considered to be the incarnation of Nandaka, the sacred sword of Vishnu, which dispels maya or illusion. A prominent disciple of the first Jeeyar Srimath Adivan Satkopa Yathendra Mahadesikan of Sri Ahobila Matha, Annamacharya expressed complex and rich philosophical ideas through songs written in clear Telugu and Sanskrit, which number over 32,000. The poet used these compositions primarily as a means to express his deep devotion to Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala and Lord Narasimha of Ahobilam.
The songs performed on this day were ‘Ambujaksha Namo’ (Nagaswaravali-Khanda Chapu), ‘Evvari Vaado’ (Behag-Khanda Chapu), ‘Paapamu Punyamu Paraga’ (Sivaranjani-Adi), ‘Pondhaku Athma’ (Bageshree-Adi), ‘Ithra Dharmamullandhu’ (Mohana Kalyani-Khanda Chapu), ‘Analamu Suryudu’ (Surya-Adi), ‘Nerupari Innitnu’ (Thilanga-Eka), ‘Innalu Nandu Nindhu’ (Shanmukhapriya-Adi), ‘Machika Prapanchapu’ (Vasanthi-Adi) and ‘Vennalu Selavi’ (Chakravakam-Eka), followed by Tillana.
A word about the concept of the ‘Tri-Shakti’ Tillan as argued by Kanyakumari. The three ragas included in the Tillan, Kannada, Vasanti and Shivashakti, represent himself, his guru MLV and Paramaguru GNB, who created the last raga. From the language of music, as per tradition, ascending or descending order can be adopted while saluting his lineage of gurus and he chose the former.
Kanyakumari completes almost 60 years of her musical journey | Photo courtesy: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
The group was led by several eminent music teachers. The clear presentation of the meaning by Ramashri Alladi before each song was a value addition. However, the instruments playing alternately in the background during the narration not only distracted attention but also affected the listening ability.
Team Mohana was founded in 2009 to encourage young talent in classical music. “My grandfather Kothamangalam Subbu was the writer of the classic Tamil novel and film Tillana Mohanambal “The name of the organisation is derived from this, as also from the beautiful raga Mohanam,” said founder member Anand V. Subramanian.
Tallapaka Meenalochani, belonging to the Annamacharya lineage, was the special invited guest at the event.
