SICA Hosts Carnatic Vocal Recital by N. Rama Murthy

Hyderabad: Amidst the mayhem that subtly replaced religiosity in Dasara celebrations, the South Indian Cultural Association (SICA) hosted N. Rama Murthy’s magnificent orthodox Carnatic vocal recital. The event, which took place in a half-full auditorium on the side streets of Basheerbagh, was hosted by musicologist Dr. Vinjamuri was organized in memory of Vardharaja Iyengar.

The concert began with a Navaragavarnam on the Ragas Golla, Varali, Aaraei and Sriragamand Nata, which form the Pancharatna Ragas. This was a kritis of Vinjamuri. This was followed by Muthuswami Dikshitar’s Kriti, Vallabha Nayakasya in Begada.

Rama Murthy chose Tyagaraja Kriti ‘Okapar Joodaga’. The speed of the interpretation and the ease with which his style transitioned from a powerful Begada to a calm Kalavathi were clear indications of the mastery of the artist. He then went on to describe the intricacies of Bhairavi.

Moving from Bhairavi’s lower octaves to her higher levels, the deep baritone also demonstrated his vocal control and refusal to be unnecessarily experimental with Bhairavi. He did not miss even a single note regarding the syntax of the raga. ‘Tanayuni Brova’s rendition was not only top notch but also hit every nuance that traditional audiences expect.

An emotional Hemavathi, a Vinjamuri-wearing Kriti followed him again. ‘Jagelara Nannu Brochutaku’ left the audience in awe. After a grammatically structured introduction and emotional navigation, Rama Murthy moved on to the main Raga of the evening, Shankarabharanam.

Dikshitar’s Akshaya Linga Vibho brought out the nuances of a Raga displayed within its grammar in an orthodox manner, engaging and clever. The artist left no doubt about his brilliance and reiterated this even in the contemporary world of experimental Carnatic music. The melody of Orthodoxy is intriguing and always attractive.

Komanduri Venkata Krishna flew to become a violinist and enriched the rich timbre of Rama Murthy’s voice with his artistic interpretations of the enchanting Ragas. The night’s percussionists DSR Murthy (mridangam) and B. Janardhan (ghatam) ensured the highest rhythmic quality of the night.

Vocal support from two of Rama Murthy’s students, Vishnu Chandrashekar and Sutheer, not only gave great hopes but also received praise from the audience.