Any type of music that can make you feel closer to God is divine – even if it is for a split second, that moment becomes special. As Sri Sathya Sai Baba puts it “Happiness is union with God”. I had the opportunity to listen to one of the concerts of Smt. Bhavadharini Anantharaman. The entire concert was so delightful and one of a kind. As a listener, am sharing some of the experiences that I felt.
You can enjoy the entire concert here – Jugal Memorial Concert
The artist sang around 15 songs in total invoking various Gods. Each song revolved around either “praising/surrendering to” Him/Her. I wondered how great composers felt while composing such songs wherein they constantly breathe God. How happy they would have been while composing such gems ? These compositions were so rich in lyrics, tune and the feeling. The artist’s performance was scintillating and her dynamic style was palpable throughout the concert. Makes me wonder while listening to such nice compositions – who is the happiest in this process – the composer while composing or the singer while rendering or the listener while listening ?
In one of the songs, set in Bhairavi – one of my favorite raagas, the swara aspect was wonderfully demonstrated by the artist. The raaga in itself was appealing and the rendition with the Alapana and swaras in Bhairavi was haunting. The violinist displayed great musicianship in his solo piece as part of this song. A must listen..
“Chandrasekhara” was another masterpiece that was presented extremely well. Set in Sindhubhairavi, the way the artist brought out the feeling starting with the Viruttam was captivating. It is said that Tansen popularised this raga to a great extent.The raaga evokes pleasant emotions. I wonder if there’s any better way to describe the compassionate nature of Lord Shiva. A befitting song.
Brova barama in raaga bahudhari was classic in its own style. One of the finest compositions of St. Thyagaraja, the artist invoked Lord Rama with the Pallavi. The composer in this song starts out by calling out to Lord Rama if it is a heavy burden to protect a single soul like him? Bahudhaari is one of those goosebumpy raagas that I wonder if the raaga may have helped St. Thyagaraja for this composition! The commanding rendition was classy.
Vandanamu song had that “pleading” Sahana raaga impact prostrating at His lotus feet.
One of the highlights in this concert for me was this unforgettable piece in which the artist was able to describe the “dancing” Krishna. One would imagine that through the bhava of this song, she might have literally brought Krishna into the concert hall. The song aptly titled “Rasanatanam” was set in Pilu – another haunting raaga. What better way to describe Krishna’s nardhana. Absolute delight!!!
A song in Dwijavanthi composed by Sri. Muthuswamy Dikshitar called “Akhilandeshwari” was enchanting and felt as though it was a lullaby for Mother Parvati.
The accompanying artists were spectacular. The violinist enthralled us with all his pieces – especially Ahirbhairavi was a killer. Bhairavi solo sections were classic in its own sense. The mridangam player in one of the songs, reminded as though we were in Kailasha. Overall the singer along with all the accompanying artists was in total command.
Finally it just makes me feel that Bharat land has given so many great composers like St. Thyagaraja, Purandhara dasa, Muthuswamy Dikshitar etc. How fortunate are we to just hear their compositions? With their incessant repetition of Lord’s name they were the chosen ones through which such great nectarine compositions came through. And in a concert like this, the artist was able to capture these gems and set the devotional mood which makes it different from a ‘typical’ concert. In my humble opinion, I felt that this concert was not presented just as an entertainment for the audience but was offered as an oblation to the Lord. I would like to thank the artist for giving us such great experiences through God given gift of music.
You can enjoy the entire concert here – Jugal Memorial Concert
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