Lalitha Santhanam’s experience as a prolific composer and scholar is probably what gives her an edge over many other musicians. Her grasp of Carnatic music, in theory and practice, was evident at her latest concert for the Thiupati Tirumala Devasthanam.
She began her rendition with the all-time favourite of the rasikas — Sidhivinayakam in Shanmugapriya and effortlessly presented the rich melody of this composition, keeping every member of the audience engrossed. The Surati kriti, Sree Venkatagirisa, was the surprise element of the evening; the slow and melodious kriti, holding the listener in rapt attention.
This was followed by Saranga, a raga whose melodic power makes a composition quite enjoyable. Lalitha presented the popular song Neevada negana, stressing every syllable to present the beautiful raga in absolute clarity.
She then went on to present her own composition in raga Bhairavi. She sang a fine alapana followed by her lyric Sangachakradari. The neraval and swaras made this composition complete. Ravichandirka is a fast-paced raga and Thyagaraja’s Marukelara, again a popular number, offered the audience a tune to remember.
Next came Purvikalyani, a majestic raga with a vast range of compositions to its credit. Lalitha chose Ramanathapuram Srinivasa Iyengar’s Parama Pavana in Adi talam. Throughout her rendition, the intrinsic nature of Purvikalyani was clear and assertive. Srinvasa Iyengar’s lyric added extra power to the composition, making it rich and memorable. Thyagaraja’s Nannuvidachi in Reetigowla, a soft and lifting piece, rested lightly on the ears of the listener. A perfect conclusion to the concert was a Tulsidas bhajan in the raag Basant.
In addition to being a composer, Lalitha is a musicologist with a deep interest in research. This is one of the reasons why she could throw in some remarkable variety into the concert.
Her Bhairavi and Purvikalyani kritis displayed her mastery over the art, making these weighty ragas even more profound. The Thirupati Tirumala Devasthanam was indeed an ideal platform for this talented musician, and she utilised it to the fullest.