Rediscovery of Sowkhyam

I had heard his father's last concert in Chennai performed for Brahma Gana Sabha during Chithirai maasam festival at the Music Academy in 1992. Nalinakanthi Mathim in Ragamalika followed by Vilayada Idhu Nerama, Bho Shambo, Misra Sivaranjai thillana were sung at the concert, which after his demise have become the most abused thukkadas among upcoming musicians. This is also the case with many of the gems popularized by MS Subbulakshmi, Madurai Mani Iyer, DK Pattammal, KV Narayanaswami which are used by musicians to establish their equations with rasikas, who are patiently waiting for a reincarnation of these masters.

When Maharajapuram Ramachandran, son of Sangita Kalandhi Maharajapuram Santhanam took the stage this morning at The Music Academy there was no need for him to confine himself to the shadows of his father or render his masterpieces as a way to connect with admirers of his father's music. Instead, Ramachandran focused on showcasing the quality of his music and specially the extended Mandara Sthayi sancharam during Naataikurunji, Lalitha, and Kalyani raga exposition, which is rarely done by musicians today. 

Ramachandran sings at a very comfortable pitch that neither strains his throat nor the listener's ear drums. His saariram travels between the lower and upper octaves without getting caught at the vestibules, despite his sariram. And specially when he travels into the lower octave (keezh Pa and Dha) it is both a soul searching and stirring experience for his audience. 

Adding to his deep and crystal clear voice is the diction, which makes his music look like the fresh flower Brahma Kamal that blooms once in 14 years. Ramachandran has taken over 20 years to evolve his music making the wait worthwhile for his father's longing rasikas.

More musicians should practice and adhere to the sampradaya of Mandarasthayi sancharam during their aalapana and use this as a way to engage with the audience rather than prematurely climax in the Thara sthayi or use the cheap imitation technique of rolling out popular numbers from yesteryears.

Music has the power to end your reincarnation as much as it has the power to make you identify a reincarnation. Our Carnatic Music is a kalpakavriksham, so be wise in making the right wish and choice.