A fabulous jugalbandi

A Carnatic-Hindustani vocal jugalbandi was held at Saptaparni recently. The concert was a much awaited one, where Harini Rao (Hindustani), student of Swati Phadke and Sowmya Sridhar (carnatic) had a commendable vocal face off as both have gained decent grip in the respective genres.

The overwhelmed audience keenly listened as Sowmya opened the concert with “Paripalayamam” in Reethigowla raga by Swathi Thurinal, followed by “Tripura Sundari” in Amruthavarshini, a composition by Lalithadasa. Harini took over with a Madhya laya bandish in Jhaptaal and a Drut bandish in Ektaal which explored the facets of raag Patdeep. A unique Nirguni bhajan in Mishr Ahir Bhairav concluded the first part of the solo recitals

Jugalbandi by both the artistes was in raag Yaman Kalyan, the perennial favourite of ragas which is generally considered to be suitable to be sung at all times by the Hindustani school of music which generally assigns ragas to certain parts of the day or night depending on their predominating moods. "Sarasiruhasini" was splendidly sung by both artistes, each taking of where the other left in a dazzling display of virtuosity.

Sung for more than an hour, ample justice was done in exploring the main raga of the evening by the artistes. The lyrics were well chosen for this item and successfully touched the listener’s hearts.

Concluding with solo recitals, Sowmya sang a tillana in Dwijawanti raga of Lalgudi Jayaram while Harini rendered a matching tarana in Jaijawanti raga. The concluding Bhairavi raga had a bhajan by Sowmya and Bhavani Dayani by Harini as Tejaswi Mallela gave a brilliant support on the violin. Senior Bharatanatyam artiste Rajeswari Sainath felicitated Sowmya Sridhar while renowned Kathak exponent Mangala Bhatt felicitated Harini Rao.