The challenge of making a Western instrument express the emotional intricacies and gamakas of a raga is immense, but Cuddalore Jananiy performed this feat effortlessly. As a disciple of vidwan M. Balamuralikrishna, her performance carried the weight of both classical tradition and modern adaptation. She presented a Carnatic keyboard recital at the Bhavan’s auditorium for the Margazhi Mahotsav. She was accompanied by vidwan Parur M. A. Krishnaswamy on the violin, vidwan Nellai A Balaji on the mridangam and vidwan Alatthur Raj Ganesh on the khanjira.

Jananiy’s performance was impactful and brought in the festive mood to the evening. Nalinakanti seemed to flow through her rendering of Tyagaraja’s Manavyalakinchara. This was followed by Gopalakrishna Bharathi’s Sabhapathiku Veru deivam. A delightful exchange of kalpana swaras in Abhogi took place. Following this was a refreshing Hindolam. The raga was portrayed in all its grandeur and Jananiy presented Tyagaraja’s Samajavaragamana.

Raghuvamsasudha brought a gentle lift in tempo after the Hindolam. The concert then settled into Kharaharapriya, with Jananiy and M.A. Krishnaswamy offering a measured and cohesive exploration. The transition into Chakkani Raja was warmly received by the audience. The tani avartanam that followed was concise and held interest without excess. The recital concluded with a Kuntalavarali tillana composed by her guru, M. Balamuralikrishna.

Her programme was thoughtfully structured, balancing familiar compositions with a considered choice of scale-based and expressive ragas that suited the instrument well and connected easily with the audience. The raga explorations were handled with clarity, while the accompanists offered consistent and supportive responses throughout the concert. Her engagement with and appreciation of the accompanists’ contributions came through naturally and added to the overall cohesiveness of the recital.

by

Amritha Saravanan