KrishnaTraya with Vasan live @ Delhi (10/28/1966)

Live in Delhi (October 28th 1966) Dr. M Balamuralikrishna- vocal Parur MS Gopalakrishnan- violin Prof TV Gopalakrishnan and TV Vasan- double mridangam 1) Aa Balagopalamu (Varnam)- Amruthavarshini, Adi, Dr. M Balamuralikrishna 2) Vathapi Ganapathim- Hamsadhwani, Adi, Muthuswamy Dikshitar 3) Nannu Kanna Thalli- Sindhukannada, Desadi, Thyagaraja 4) Mamayilvahana- Abhogi, Adi, Dr. M Balamuralikrishna 5) Devadi Deva Sri Vasudeva- Sunadhavinodhini, Desadi, Mysore Vasudevachar 6) Nagumomu- Abheri, Adi, Thyagaraja 7) Rishabhapriya RTP (Sa Ri Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Saptaswara Rishabhapriyam w/ Ragamalika swarams in Nagaswaravali and Hamsadhwani (grahabhedam from Nagaswaravali in madhyama sruti))- Tisra Thriputa (2 kalai), Dr. M Balamuralikrishna 8) Brihadeeshwara Mahadeva- Kaanada, Rupakam, Dr. M Balamuralikrishna 9) Oru Naal Poduma (Tamil film song from Thiruvilaiyadal (1965)- dir: AP Nagarajan, music: KV Mahadevan, lyrics: Kannadasan)- Ragamalika, Adi 10) Yamihe Kamiha Sharanam (Ashtapadi)- Natabhairavi (madhyama sruti), Kanda Chapu, Jayadeva 11) Pravisa Radhe (Ashtapadi)- Kosalam (madhyama sruti), Kanda Chapu, Jayadeva 12) Ahirbhairav Thillana (Na Dri Dri Dhim Ta Na Na Nom Nom Ta Da Ra Ta Da Ra Dha Ri Thom Tha Da Ri Dhi Thillana)- Adi, Dr. M Balamuralikrishna Disclaimer: Photo took place at Parvathi, Mysore in 1965. All rights to the photo belong to Parvathi Hall and its trustees. Thanks to Dr. Gopalam Karamchedu and Anand Yatiraj for sharing. Though this concert contains the famous hits, there is something unique about them. In my observation, Dr. BMK seems to be more assertive and is hitting the high notes with ease. In fact, there is no strain at all. The renditions though in the 60s mode seem different than usual. For example, when he renders "Kavumaiyya Nannu Karunalavala", it is akin to his 70s and later versions (ssSSNdmgs). Just to hear that gives one goosebumps. And the alapanas for Abhogi and Rishabhapriya are out of the world. What control and what bliss. With this, Dr. BMK shows the hidden complexities and deep subtleties of each ragam. We should not say Rishabhapriya is a mixture of Kalyani and Charukesi, it is its own Melakartha ragam. And how he is able to intelligently create Hamsadhwani by doing grahabhedam from Nagaswaravali in madhyama. He does not go off tune at all. Instead he makes it easier for us to appreciate the brilliance of grahabhedam. Many musicians have tried it, but few have succeeded. MSG is brilliant as always with his co-play elevating the experience and his stoccato portions captivating the audience. His Abhogi is mesmerizing. Even though he doesn't get his chance in the Abheri swaraprastara, his Rishabhapriya alapana and responses in Nagaswaravali-Hamsadhwani are to die for. When he easily replicates the grahabhedam in Hamsadhwani, one immediately begins to shed tears. It is so wonderfully soulful. This is why he and Dr. BMK were perfect for each other. They operated at a god like intellectual level, but never forgot their audience and gave them more than they could handle and something they would remember forever. What more can I say about the brothers Prof TVG and TVV. TVG's enthusiasm and energy levels are impeccable and there are times he takes the lead in the KrishnaTraya partnership. Even during the North Indian portions when he used his specialized mridangam in F, you can't help but say "Besh!" Not to left behind, TVV displays his vidwat and genius by not only recreating whatever his brother played, but going to Harishankar levels by nearly stealing the show whenever he can. What an underrated vidwan! Whoever attended this concert is/was blessed to behold such godly gANam. We will never see this again in our lives, but can appreciate it more today! Let's honor the memories of Dr. BMK, MSG and TVV and salute Prof TVG as one of the greatest practitioners of the musical art form today! May KrishnaTraya gANam remain supreme and everlasting!