Ramakrishnan Murthy turns Bilahari exposition enjoyable

Ramakrishnan Murthy’s homage concert was a well-planned package

When Ramakrishnan Murthy performed at a concert organised by ARTery in remembrance of legendary violinist T.N. Krishnan, he lent the same sweet melody to his rendition that Krishnan was famous for. Painted in all the hues of Bilahiri, it was an eka kriti concert. Ramakrishnan’s raga alapana was sketched conventionally with some sweet sancharas in the madhya stayi. The 20-minute essay was a planned package. Shriram Kumar’s raga alapana included more aesthetics and went towards the ‘rakti’ components more strikingly. As if spurred by that, Ramakrishnan came up with an impressively structured vibrant tanam. It was refreshing to see a creative approach to the tanam; not every artiste seems to realise its emotive potential. Tyagaraja confirms his status as a blessed devotee, who has the order to serve Rama, in ‘Dorakuna ituvanti seva’. With three charanams and even an uncharacteristic double-speed suffix in the Dikshitar style, ‘Dorakuna ituvanti seva’ was indeed a magnum opus. Ramakrishnan’s kriti discipline and enjoyment came to the fore as he handled the composition with tender care. His diction brought out the lyrical beauty of the words. The niraval at ‘Kamita paladayakiyow seetha kantuni’ was brilliant, especially in the second speed combining with Shriram Kumar’s swift and engaging riposte.