Vocal and Instrumental Extravaganza: Events in Hyderabad

REVIEW FOR VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL EXTRAVAGANZA

Surmandal's festival of music had on its second evening some of the brilliant
performers of the country like Niraj Parikh, Ronu Mujumdar, Pt.Bhavanishankar
and Vijay Ghate. The evening of music and rhythms dawned with Niraj occupying
the central arch of the amphitheater to render his songs of glory. This prime
disciple of Pandit Jasraj Niraj explored the 'Bhajan Sampradai' in Hindustani
classical music. Bhajan with its Bhakti cult pleases one and all and creates a
genial atmosphere. Niraj's voice had that religious fervor and perseverance apt
for singing Bhajans.

A breezy flute recital by Ronu Majumdar engulfed the audience and also the surroundings with its mesmeric husky resonance. The classical melodies that he chose or the compositions that he rendered did not matter; what did was an hour of 'musical transportation' for the audience.

In sharp contrast was a percussion jugalbandi that almost got the audience onto their toes, torn away from the blissful slumber of listening to the wind-blown instrument. This energizing and stunning experience had Pakhawaj artist Pandit Bhavanishanker and Tabla player Vijay Ghate dancing their fingers on the percussion producing pure classical rhythms in varied times cycles and sequences. These cadences at once seemed to sing a song and have a sportive dialogue, all in quite an abstract language.

On the whole, the entire evening displayed different aesthetics and creations of Hindustani music.