Smt. Mangalam Shankar

In a time when much hype is built around the carnatic musician's lineage than the individual's mettle, Smt.Mangalam Shankar comes across like a pristine lotus in a pond of turbulent currents. Am I hyping Smt.Mangalam? Not at all. Look at the musicians whose hands move even during pauses in the kriti (you-know-who). Look at the ones wearing too much make-up and bright color costumes with impeccable paper jasmine! Look at the ones with big pile of music notations - both paper and laptop versions - in front of them on stage. Indeed, we end up looking at things purposely displayed on stage to demand our attention. 

A  music concert is a listening event to enrich soul. Think about it.

With a splendid selection of kritis for the theme "Kannanum Skandanum", Smt. Mangalam and the entire team of accompaniments has given a charming concert with her 2 disciples. No gaudy colors and hand distractions, not even closing the eyes. Please note the absence of music notes in front of them. Reminded of the M.L.V tradition. Lets talk about the actual meat.  The songs flow one after another dripping with brilliant and subtle sangathis and nuances. Ragas are aptly sung, like tying a saree with no extra kosavam hanging anywhere loosely.  No pisuru in the rendition. The 3 voices are heard together. Only an exceptional  Guru  can bring together a well trained and rehearsed group to performance like this. She has good imagination and has paid attention to details. Adding a veena to the accompaniment is creative and letting him give a start to the kritis more enjoyable.  Time and again, thanks to Doordarshan (Podigai) for hosting this concert. The stage could have been better organized as a single big one rather than small compartmentalized ones for the accompanying artistes. Plants are a bad idea, especially right in front of the camera. But, it is DD.

Stumbled upon this playlist while searching for "Mudi Onri Moovulagam" song.  Now, I listen to only this version and not the M.S's anymore.