CHENNAI: Vocalist O S Thyagarajan’s recent concert for Krishna Gana Sabha was certainly relatable to classical music of high calibre, with a keeness to maintain the clarity of Sahitya, revealing the tutelage he had under his father OV Subramaniam. Music aficionados were witness to the musical treat marked by accurate diction and sruti at the concert, as ‘the OST identity’ was clearly visible in all his numbers. The rendition of Padmavathi Ramanam of Oothukadu Venkatakavi in raga Poorvikalyani brought out the artiste’s appreciation of the kriti’s excellence. Here, Thyagarajan was successful in his attempt of bringing out the bava.
Next, he delved into Lavanya Rama of Thyagaraja in raga Poorna Shadjanam and janyam of Karaharapriya. Rendered at a leisurely pace, the number was sung with piety and it was interesting to note the slow and fast conjunctions of the swara patterns. With a musical identity of his own, he brought out the essence of the composer, describing the beauteous countenance of Lord Rama, seeking his grace. His rendition of Chakkani Raja in raga Karaharapriya again, with an extensive raga alapana and swaras was surprising, though he employed the prayogas engagingly in aesthetic proportions. In fact, it was one of the best portrayals of the raga heard in recent times. Thyagarajan’s musical identity was evident from the way the sangatis spontaneously flowed, touching each and every swara of the raga. His concluding piece Sada Enna in Raga Behag of Vijaya Vittala Dasar added meaning to the audience’s sense of fulfilment. Undoubtedly, the concert, as a whole, revealed his intuitive perception, lending quality to his music, but his restricted vocal effusions, was apparent. Ganesh Prasad on violin, Ravichandran on mridangam and Suresh on ghatam, provided rhythmic support.