New England Rasikas were treated to a blissful violin concert by the legendary violin vidwan Padmabhushan Sangeetha Kalanidhi Shri T. N. Krishnan – TNK as he is fondly known to all Carnatic music lovers.  He was accompanied on the violin by his son – Sriram Krishnan and on the mridangam by the young and extremely talented mridangist from Michigan, Rohan Krishnamurthy.  The concert epitomized the classical tradition that is so synonymous with Shri TNK and his style of violin playing. 

The concert began a few minutes late – waiting for a crowd to gather; with a short alapanai (Ragam elaboration) in the Ragam Begada.  This was followed by a Varnam (Inthachala) in Begada.  Orajupuju in the ragam Kannadagowlai followed with some brisk swaram exchanges between Shri TNK and Sriram.  Dinamanivamsa in the ragam Harikamboji was up next followed by a very sweet alapanai by Sriram in the Ragam Kalyani. 

The main and the most memorable piece was the Ragam Thanam Pallavi in Ragam Kapi.  This ragam being a TNK speciality was treat to listen.  It was just as enjoyable watching Shri TNK play, as he completely dissolved himself in the nuances of the ragam.  A short but sweet thanam ragamalika followed the ragam.  Rohan presented a very nice thani (percussion solo) at the end of the pallavi and was encouraged consistently by the great maestro himself.  A few more popular pieces were presented at the end of the concert. 

As Aparna Balaji – a Vocal music teacher in the New England area said at the end of the concert; it was truly a blessing for all those who were present to watch the violin wizard wield his bow.  Durga Krishnan, Dr. Pradeep Shukla and all those involved in organizing this concert need to be congratulated for organizing such an event.   A truly memorable evening. 

|