Strings Attached
Though I have heard Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh and Shri Kumaresh Rajagopalan in individual concerts, it was the first time I heard the husband-wife duo in ‘Strings Attached’ organized by New Zealand Carnatic Music Society on June 4, 2016.
The word ‘downpour’ has been used by announcers and media everywhere to denote this couple. And a downpour we got on last Saturday evening-a downpour of rhythm and melody. Alongwith Shri J Vaidhyanathan on Mridangam, we had musical pedigree of high order on display. Not only were they master practitioners of their chosen instrument, but they also boast of a noteworthy lineage in Carnatic Music.
Commencing with Kanada Ata Thala varnam, they travelled the gamut of ragas and composers through Sarasiruha in Nattai to Kamakshi in Simhendra Madhyamam to end with the Lalgudi Thillana in Mohankalyani. Slipped in was a Raga Pravaham in Natakurinji- a pet project of Ganesh-Kumaresh specially for instrumentalists! And then ofcourse, the RTP in Charukesi with an abundance of Ragamalika swarams. A request for English Note brought about an ‘Indian Note’ which sparkled, nevertheless. The Mangalam was an unusual triad of Hariharathmajam-Kamakshi (Syama Shastri ) –Baghyada Laxmi.
Veena is a soft instrument and due to sheer size, there is a lot of ground to cover for the artiste. Hence it is always invariably hard to play at high speed, or to play the half-quarter notes which tend to be the forte of a Vocalist. A violin is at an advantage here, since it is commonly featured as a main accompaniment.
It is the skill of both artistes on stage, that none of those differences were evident. There was great understanding allowing for seamless continuity, be it an exploration of a raga in alapana or as Kalpana Swaram. Kumaresh brings in a semi-Western, flatter dimension to his playing in contrast with Jayanthi who sticks to the steeped traditions of Carnatic Music. Again, that blend creates a lot of innovation and novelty which is an aural treat to the listener at all levels.
There was high energy on stage which carried to all the audience, I’m sure. That energy lasted me for the entire drive back of 2 hours to Hamilton. Thank you!
https://www.indiannewslink.co.nz/divinity-runs-through-violin-and-veena-couple/