Sangeet Kala Samman recently organised a musical evening at India Habitat Center. The program started with the Violin Recital by Pt. Santosh Kumar Nahar, renowned Violinist.
In the first segment of the program, Dr Santosh Nahar began with a soulful rendition in the Raag Yaman, starting with an exquisite alaap on the five-stringed violin. He showcased the progressive aspects of the Raag, bringing out its sweetness, intricate swar expansion, ornamental patterns, and gamak. His performance in the fast tempo (drut gat) was adorned with intricate patterns and a captivating jugalbandi with the tabla, leaving the audience in awe. His unique blend of string and vocal elements was a treat for the listeners. Pandit Santosh Nahar concluded his performance with the Thumri ‹Yaad Piya Ki Aaye,› displaying his virtuosity on the violin.
Pradeep Sarkar accompanied him on the tabla, maintaining an impeccable rhythm, and their synchronized laya vinyas (rhythmic variations) was remarkable.
In the second part of the program, Padma Bhushan Acharya Dr Gokulotsavji Maharaj and his son and disciple Acharya Dr Vrajotsavji Maharaj mesmerized the audience with their classical vocal performance. They began with a Vilambit Khayal composition in Raag Megh, ‘Barkha Ritu Aayi.’ The composition portrayed the essence of the monsoon season and featured the nuances of this serious and melodious raag, enriched with meend (glides), andolan (oscillations), kan (graceful turns), Lahak (fluttering), and jarab (speedy runs). Subsequently, they presented ‹Ghan Umad Ghamad Garjat,› a fast-paced composition in Teental with a plethora of merukhand taans that left the audience spellbound.
The program concluded with a rendition of the ‹Radha Mohan Jhoolat Surang Hindore› Pushti Marg Haveli Pad in Raag Charju Ki Malhar. This bhakti-filled and emotionally rich rendition captivated the audience. Ustad Akhtar Hasan on the tabla and Dr Ashik Kumar on the harmonium complemented the vocalists with their skillful accompaniment.
Padma Bhushan Acharya Dr Gokulotsavji Maharajii said, “I am very happy to part of this event and I felt audience of Delhi are a good listener of music so I am grateful to be a part of this music evening.”
Maharaji recently also conducted a classical music workshop in the faculty of music, Delhi University. During these special sessions, he elaborated on the varied aspects of Dhrupad›s aalap and it›s exposition in the context of samvedik vocal traditions. Panditji also taught the students about the voice culture, various patterns of merukhand taans, Tarana and intricate aspects of sarvang gayki. This workshop/vocal presentation with illustrations kept the students spellbound.