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Thousands of teachers, students and aficionados of Carnatic music – the classical music associated with the southern part of India and evolved from ancient Hindu traditions – flocked to the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) auditorium to listen to one of its legendary advocates, Dr M Balamuralikrishna.
At a special event entitled MadhuMuraleeRavam, the maestro, who can play the kanjira, mridangam, viola and violin and is renowned for his mesmerising voice, brilliant interpretations of classical compositions and penchant for creating new ones, did not fail to impress, even at the age of 81.
Dr Balamuralikrishna, who has received numerous national and international accolades, was performing in Bahrain for the first time on invitation from BKS and his disciple, A Ambilikuttan, principal of the Indian Institute of Performing Arts, Bahrain.
Fondly called Guruji, he was accompanied on the violin by Jayadevan and on the mridangam by Neyveli B Venkatesh. Four compositions – Akhilandeshwari, Devadi Deva, Nagumo, Tillana and a devotional song – were performed during the evening. The accompanying musicians’ solo performances were also enthralling.
The interesting aspect of every Carnatic music concert is the ability of the musicians to perform without music sheets. The mastery of this trio, who do not regularly perform together, was very evident in this respect. As a music lover I was only left asking for more. An interesting addition to this evening was a short introduction to Guruji and his musical exploits between each rendition.
Crowds are important to generate concert atmosphere but a musical concert with great artists also needs music lovers who appreciate music. While as parents we are eager to introduce the younger generation to musical giants, children who are too young to appreciate serious music can be a major distraction to others present.
The noise from children in the back of the hall could have certainly been avoided and organisers could consider excluding young children from such events in future.
– Anasuya Kesavan
