Melodious masterpieces at Swati Tirunal tribute

masterpiece of the composer –Thillana in raga Dhanasree

Swati Tirunal (18131846) was a king of Travancore in Kerala, but he was also famous as a king-composer of Carnatic music, his kritis being in circulation even today. In fact his Bhavayami is one of the most popular items sung and danced to date. Rendered as a ragamalika in seven ragas, it brings out the essence of the Ramayana and its different shades. A fitting tribute to Swati Tirunal is not just appropriate, but necessary as well. The Swatitirunal Organising Committee has been bringing together musicians from all parts of Sydney for this purpose, resulting in a day-long celebration held at the Dundas Community Centre in Sydney on April 21.

The day began with the Talappoli with several young girls carrying lamps and flowers on plates. Then was the highlight of the day with a mass rendering of Bhavayami

It was a grand sight with more than twenty-five singers and accompanists onstage, rendering that eternal composition. It was a full-blasted presentation where the experienced and the novices came together in happy harmony. It was difficult to take one’s eyes off the young Sudarshan who sat in the forefront and sang with all the confidence of a mature singer. All came together at the end once again, to render another

The stage was then ready for various groups to each present a composition of Swati Tirunal. Some of the well-known and rare compositions were presented. One heard mature renderings of Janani paahi (Suddha saveri) and Deva Deva Jagadeeshwara (Purvi Kalyani), a swaying Neelapuri (Yadukula Kamboji), well crafted Devi Paavane (Saveri) and Srikumara Nagaralaye (Atana), a smooth flowing Pankaja lochana (Kalyani), a pleasing Bhaja Bhaja (Sindhubhairavi). When Balaji and Sudarshan rendered the slowmoving number Bharathi Mamava Krupaya (Thodi), one wondered whether they were born to sing. The young Anitha and Shreya gave an appealing rendering of Gopalaka Pahimam. There were instrumental renderings as well on flute, synthesizer and veena. Apart from being a tribute to the great master, the day provided an opportunity for everyone participated to showcase his or her talent. The committee deserves congratulations for organising this event every year. I do regret that I could not stay till the conclusion of the programme.

Sydney Srinivas