K.V. Narayanaswamy Centenary Celebrations: Flautist Prapancham Balachandran Mesmerizes Audience at Arkay Convention Center
Flautist Prapancham Balachandran, accompanied by R. Ramesh on the mridangam, H. Prasanna on the ghatam, and M.A. Sundaresan on the violin, delivered a captivating flute recital at the Arkay Convention Center in Chennai. The performance was part of the ongoing series of concerts hosted by the Sri Ariyakkudi and K.V. Narayanaswamy Memorial Trust to celebrate the centenary year of the legendary Palghat K.V. Narayanaswamy. The trust aims to showcase the talent of both experienced and budding musicians during the two-month long program.
Balachandran, an accomplished artist with an ‘A-Top’ grade from All India Radio, comes from a family of renowned musicians and is one of the senior most disciples of maestro N. Ramani. He skillfully carried forward the musical legacy of his guru, showcasing his perfect control over laya in both the raga essays and articulation of the kritis.
Flute Recital: A Musical Journey Filled with Excellence and Creativity
The performance began with a brisk rendition of Saveri varnam in two speeds, exhibiting Balachandran’s dexterity and command over the flute. The enchanting raga Hamsadhwani followed, captivating the audience and setting the tone for the musical evening. Balachandran’s captivating raga sketch before singing G.N. Balasubramaniam’s kriti ‘Vara vallabha ramana’ further enhanced the beauty of the composition. The kalpanaswara segment that ensued showcased Balachandran’s signature quicksilver phrasings, leaving the audience in awe. The talented violinist, M.A. Sundaresan, added to the enchantment with his soulful repartees.
The performance continued with the Tyagaraja Pancharata kriti, ‘Endaro mahanubhavulu’ in Sri raga. Balachandran’s rendition was marked by his mesmerizing phrasings, a characteristic feature of his flute recitals. The musical journey further unfolded with Balachandran’s choice of Latangi as the main raga. He presented a soul-stirring alapana, highlighting the raga’s key phrases, before delving into the kriti ‘Marivere dikkevaru’, a masterpiece by Patnam Subramaniam Iyer. The flautist’s finely articulated kalpanaswara, set to the quick-paced khanda chapu tala, struck a chord with the rasikas and showcased his melodic calculations. The exchange between Balachandran and Sundaresan culminated in catchy korvais, leaving the audience spellbound.
An Unforgettable Finale: Balachandran’s Reverence for Tradition
Balachandran concluded the recital with a selection of well-known kritis, demonstrating his versatility and deep understanding of classical music. He began with an exquisite raga sketch of Kapi, paving the way for the timeless composition ‘Jagadodharana’. This was followed by a Sindhubhairavi raga essay for the kriti ‘Karunai deivame’, evoking a sense of devotion and reverence through his soulful rendition.
The performance was elevated by the presence of seasoned accompanists, including M.A. Sundaresan on the violin, R. Ramesh on the mridangam, and H. Prasanna on the ghatam. Sundaresan’s melodious raga silhouettes of Latangi, Kapi, and Sindubhairavi added an enchanting touch to the recital. The tani avartanam by the percussionists was creative, concise, and clear, demonstrating their expertise and improvisational skills. Balachandran concluded the performance with a vibrant Revati raga thillana, infusing the air with verve and leaving the audience yearning for more.
The concert not only highlighted Balachandran’s musical acumen and creativity but also celebrated the guru-sishya bond that is at the core of Indian classical music. O.S. Thyagarajan, a veteran vocalist and the chief guest, praised K.V. Narayanaswamy for his devotion to his guru, and lauded his ability to imbibe and make Ariyakudi’s music his own. The concert, in its entirety, was a testament to the power of this bond and how it influences the growth and evolution of musicians.
As the Sri Ariyakkudi and K.V. Narayanaswamy Memorial Trust continues its centenary celebrations, it provides a platform for both senior and young musicians to showcase their talent and pay tribute to the great Palghat K.V. Narayanaswamy. The concerts, like Balachandran’s flute recital, serve as a reminder of the rich musical heritage of India and the profound impact that legends like Narayanaswamy have had on the classical music landscape.