Date:26/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2005/08/26/stories/2005082601790200.htm

Entertainment Bangalore Chennai and Tamil Nadu Delhi Hyderabad Thiruvananthapuram

Veritable treat to good music and dance

A. RAMALINGA SASTRY

The performances of renowned artistes marked the grand finale of the five-day music and dance fete.

PHOTOS: C.V. SUBRAHMANYAM

ARTISTIC ENDEAVOURS Flautist Shashank

The third evening of the five-day fete of music and dance, organised by Visakha Music and Dance Academy at Kalabharathi, featured young flautist S. Shashank from Chennai. While Nagai R. Sriram and N. Govinda Rajan from Chennai excellently supported on violin and ghatam, local AIR staffer Vankayala Venkata Ramana Murthy lent vibrant support on mridangam.

Starting with the Bhairavi Ata taala varnam, Viriboni as per the choice of the audience, Shashank left an impression of being an invincible flautist.

The aalapanas of Sarasangi for Neekela Dayaradu, Chandrajyoti for Bhagayeneyya, Saramathi for Mokshamugalada, Saveri coupled with taanam in ragamalika comprising Kalyani, Dwijavanthi and Mohana, pallavi with delightfully sublime sojourns into Ranjani, Valaji and Malayamarutham appeared to be manifestation of the musician's genius and creativity.

His indomitable mastery negotiating swaraprastharam in break-neck speed was also amazing.

Ramana Murty executing thani with Govinda Rajan appeared to be his peer in all aspects. Venkataachalanilayam in Sindhubhairavi, a piece in Kandanakuthuhalam and Vandemaatharam contributed a haunting finale.