Raga Renaissance: A fusion of Tradition and Innovation  

By S. Andal

Sriram Parasuram's concert at Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Sabha on 18 December was a mesmerising journey through the Carnatic and Hindustani music genres. The evening began with the varnam Imta Chala in Raga Begada, setting the tone for the concert. Next, Sriram presented a Drut Khayal in raga Bihaagdaa, Mandirwa mein, showcasing his mastery over the Hindustani tradition.

The Abhogi segment that followed was a beautiful tribute to the legendary composer Papanasam Sivan, with Sriram rendering the composition Nekkurugi with great finesse. The Carnatic section resumed with Tyagaraja's kriti Nee muddu momu in raga Kamalamanohari, highlighting Sriram's vocal range and expressiveness.

A unique musical experiment followed, bringing together Shuddha Dhanyasi and Sumanesa Ranjani, two ragas differing only in their madhyama value. Shuddha Dhanyasi, a traditional Carnatic raga, was paired with Sumanesa Ranjani, a recent adaptation from Hindustani music. Sriram intertwined two compositions: Muthuswamy Dikshitar's Sree Parthasarathy Na Palithosmyaham in Shuddha Dhanyasi and Rukmini Ramani's Parthasarathy in Sumanesa Ranjani, in a juxtaposed manner. This innovative combination featured two ragas, languages, talas (roopakam and Adi), and kritis, showcasing manipravala, misra, and jod concepts. This experiment resulted in a unique and engaging musical experience that worked well, pushing the boundaries of Carnatic music.

Violinist Shreelakshmi Bhat accompanied Sriram seamlessly, her instrument singing in perfect harmony with his voice. The rhythm section, comprising mridangam, tabla, and harmonium as pakka vadyam, provided a robust and nuanced accompaniment. The concert concluded with a thrilling Drut Khyal in Raag Nadhukauns and a soulful bhajan in raga Sindhubhairavi, leaving the audience spellbound. Sriram's voice soared with ease, navigating complex ragas and compositions with remarkable agility and precision, making for an unforgettable musical experience.