By Shrinkhla Sahai
A morning concert is a rare event in Delhi. Risking the vagaries of Delhi audience and Sunday morning inertia, a concert of morning ragas was organised by New Age Foundation, commemorating the death anniversary of Pt Mallikarjun Mansur. Vocalist Priyadarshini Kulkarni and sarod maestro Pt Biswajit Roy Chowdhury enthralled with their thoughtful selection of ragas and intricate artistry. Delhi rasikas turned up in good numbers at India International Centre to enjoy a morning of Hindustani classical music.
Priyadarshini Kulkarni started with a leisurely elaboration of raga Miyan ki Todi with the bada khayal- ‘Baajo re’. She was accompanied on tabla by Sanjay Deshpande and on harmonium by Vinay Mishra. The austerity in her rendition was deeply reminiscent of Pt Mansur’s gayaki. Another hallmark of his style was immaculate layakari which the vocalist displayed in the chhota khayal-‘Eri maayi aaj badhawra’. She concluded with a nostalgic composition in the combination raga- Yamani Bilawal, dedicated to the memory of veteran journalist Praful Bidwai who passed away recently.
Pt Biswajit Roy Chowdhury presented a sober and nuanced interpretation of raga Jaunpuri. He followed it up with an energetic and playful rendition of raga Gaud Sarang layered with delightful pauses and rhythm-play. Durjay Bhaumik provided the tabla accompaniment. The audience warmed up to the narration of an anecdote from Pt Mansur’s life about the stalwart’s first meeting with Ustad Bhurji Khan where he sang Raga Gaud Sarang to persuade the maestro to take him as a disciple.
Both musicians have deeply internalised the vocalism of Pt Mansur and express his aesthetics without imitation. Their individuality lends another dimension to his vast musical legacy. It was a simple, sincere and moving tribute to the legend. Delhi rasikas look forward to more such musical mornings.