CHENNAI: She started off at a brisk pace, with a Charukesi Varnam of Lalgudi Jayaraman, titled Kuzhal Oothum Kannan. And then, for about two hours, it was an array of select popular compositions by Sudha Ragunathan at The Music Academy. The event was part of the One Chennai One Music event organised by Radio One.
The second composition of the evening was by Sudhaananda Bharathi, in Tamil, Arul Purivaay Karunai Kadalae, in Hamsadhwani raagam set to Aadhi thaalam.
Sri Rangapura Vihara, an enchanting composition by Muthuswami Dikshithar, followed next. In Brindaavana Saaranga Raagam, and set to Roopaka Thaalam, this composition in Sanskrit is dedicated to the famed Lord Sri Ranganathar of Sri Rangam.
Alaipayuthaey Kanna, a composition by Oothukadu Mahakavi Venkata Subbaiyar followed next, in Kanada raagam, set to Aadhi thaalam. A Thyagaraja krithi in Sanskrit, Samaja Vara Gamanaa, followed next, in Hindolam raagam, set to Aadhi thaalam. Mahalakshmi Jaganmatha Manam Irangi Varam Arul, a Papanasam Shivan composition, in Shankarabharanam raagam, set to Mishra Chappu thaalam, formed the extensive main piece of the concert, with Alapanas.
Sudha was accompanied by Kumbhakonam M R Gopinath on the violin, Palladam Ravi on the mridangam, B S Purushotthaman on the kanjira, Raman on the morsing and Narayanan on the thambura. There was ample time for the instrumentalists to present their musical expertise as well.
Kanda Naal Mudhalaay Kaadhal Perugudhuadi, a composition in Tamil by S Chidambaram, in Madhuvanthi raagam, set to Aadhi thaalam, followed next. Hari Tum Haro, a Meerabai bhajan, in raag Durbaari Kanaada set to Aadhi thaalam was the next piece.
The fast-paced Kavadi Chindu, in Tamil titled, Valli Kanavan Paerai, in Shenjurutti raagam, set to Aadhi thalam, was refreshing.
Kurai Ondrum Illai, a favourite of music enthusiasts and singers alike, was rendered next. Kurai Ondrum Illai was written by C Rajagopalachari, the only song known to have been written by him ever.
Ulagile Shaanthi Nilava Vaendum in raagam Thilang, set to Aadhi thaalam, composed by Sethumaadhava Rao in Tamil was presented next. And last but not the least was the patriotic song, Vaazhiya Senthamizh Vande Mataram, by Mahakavi Subramanya Bharathi.
The concert also saw an invocation dance performed by Vinisha Kathiravan before the commencement of the concert. Sudha Ragunathan’s concert was at a brisk pace from start to finish, both refreshing and soulful at the same time.