A Captivating Evening with Brindha Manickavasakan: A Concert Review
Brindha Manickavasakan delivered a compelling and nuanced Carnatic music recital recently, showcasing both her vocal prowess and thoughtful raga selection. The performance, a journey through familiar and intriguing musical landscapes, left a lasting impression on those in attendance.
She began with a purposeful build-up, preparing the audience for more complex explorations. Initially, she skillfully navigated challenging upper registers, then seamlessly transitioned into swaraprastara – a spontaneous improvisation of melodic phrases. This initial foray, while ambitious, momentarily stretched her vocal capacity, resulting in a brief struggle to maintain clarity.
A Raga of Structure and delight: Begada
Following this, the choice of Begada proved astute. The raga’s inherent structure allowed for a beautifully expressive alapana,highlighting its characteristic wobbliness. Though,even hear,a rapid succession of phrases pushed Brindha towards the limits of her range,requiring a subtle vocal adjustment.
Madhavan’s accompanying violin solo offered a delightful contrast. His instrument’s sweet tone perfectly captured the classical essence of begada, providing a moment of pure musical pleasure. The rendition of Ramaswamy Sivan’s “Kadaikkan” benefited greatly from the rhythmic complexity of mishra chapu tala, adding a vibrant energy to the piece.
Exploring Depth: Varali and Tyagaraja
Varali, presented as the third piece, provided the first opportunity for a detailed niraval – an improvised elaboration on a specific line of a kriti (composition). Brindha engaged in a lyrical dialog with the violinist around the phrase “Paramatmudu” from Tyagaraja’s “Karuna elagante.”
This exchange was beautifully supported by the mridangam and kanjira, creating a warm and cohesive sound. This collaborative spirit foreshadowed the concert’s second half, culminating in a dynamic tani avartanam – a percussion solo – that truly defined the climax of her Mohanam exploration.
Mohanam and Beyond: A Pentatonic Journey
The transition to Mohanam felt organic, following “Soundararajam” without any unnecessary filler. Interestingly, a fleeting moment in Brindha’s alapana hinted at Begada, while madhavan briefly introduced a touch of Vasanthi – a testament to the interconnectedness of ragas.
Papanasam Sivan’s “Kapali” was enriched by both niraval and swara improvisations, leading into a ten-minute tani in Adi tala at a brisk two-cycle tempo. You could feel the energy building with each beat.
A Graceful Finale
The concert concluded with Gopalakrishna Bharati’s lilting “Varuvaro” in Sama raga. This was preceded by a beautifully crafted viruttam - a devotional verse – that began in Hamir Kalyani and gracefully unfolded into Hindolam.
Ultimately, Brindha Manickavasakan’s recital was a testament to her artistry and musical intelligence. It was an evening that rewarded attentive listening and left you feeling deeply moved by the power and beauty of Carnatic music. Her ability to balance tradition with innovation, and her willingness to push her own boundaries, make her a truly compelling performer to watch.
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