Dikshitar Akhandam - Chennai (28th February, 2010)

Back from a great outing at Chennai as part of Bharatiya Sangeeta Vaibhavam's Dikshitar Akhandam.
I had especially learnt Dikshitar's magnum opus in Kambhoji - 'Kashi Vishweshwara Ehi...' for this occassion.
A grand edifice in the intricate khanda jathi ata talam - wonderful lyrics, sweeping glides and ofcourse set in one of my all time favorite ragas kambhoji.
The crowds were overflowing and the Pettachi Auditorium was full - connoisseurs, cutting across age groups.
Quite a few of them sought me out after the program to express their sincere appreciation about my concert.
I elaborated two ragas - Dhaamavathi (in the Venkatamakhin tradition) and Kambhoji (with the kriti setup exactly as it is in the Pradarshini).
It helped that Dr Hemalatha played the violin - her Ph.D thesis is on the Pradarshini and since I sang a few ragas and kritis straight out of the Pradarshini, she was very supportive.
My good friend and senior vidwan Sri Mannarkoil J Balaji played the Mridangam.

Charsur has recorded the concert and it would soon be available for download at their website www.charsur.com
Here goes the list:
1. Sri Ganeshatparam - Ardra Desi - Misra Jhampa (R outline)
2. Bharathi Maddishana - Devamanohari - Rupaka (S) - raga lakshana based on the Venkatamakhin System which includes a 'p n n s' prayoga
3. Parandhaamavathi - Dhaamavathi - Rupaka (R)
4. Kashi Vishweshwara - Kambhoji - Khanda Jathi Ata Talam (R,S) at 'dakshina kashi...'
5. Mangala Devathe - Marga Deshi - Adi

Later the same evening, my guru Sri TM Krishna rendered a concert in which the focus was on the Mayamalava Gowla Kriti 'Sri Naathaadi Guruguho' - the very first kriti of Dikshitar.

The trust behind this Akhandam - Bharatiya Sangeetha Vaibhavam (Sureshkumar Bopparaju, et al) - needs to be complimented for their wonderful arrangements and efficient handling of the logistics.