A show of promise
B.R.C. IYENGAR
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Young violinist Vinay Rahul holds promise but needs to iron out his shortcomings.
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Kalasagaram's programme, held last week, put the spotlight on the gifted talent of a 14-year-old budding violinist. Master Vinay Rahul played the violin for over two hours and gave glimpses of his mastery over the instrument. Being trained by maestro Akella Mallikarjuna Sharma, Rahul showed his perfection of sruti and swara gnana.
Given his skill and the training, he is bound to become a promising violinist sooner than later. However, it would be unfair to have expected more from him on the occasion. He played the krithis to perfection, showing that the rehearsals he has done over a period of time were just right. Although the sangathis were common, they were precise and in unison with the rhythm. The Ata thala varnam in kalyani was played in two speeds without any blemish. So was the following Krithi vathaI in hamsadwani.
If Shobillu sapthaswara in jaganmohini was impressive, the krithi of Swathi Thirunal in thodi was inspiring. The popular song Ra ra rajivalochana in the raga mohana was well worth the selection. The concert consisted predominantly of anthara gandhara like Kalyani, Hamsdwani and Mohana. Care ought to have been taken to include contrasting ragas.
Rahul's prowess in the field of manodharma sangitha naturally needs training and improvement. This is gained over a period of time and relentless practice. Take for instance his swara playing. He has already got into a dire stance of playing koruvis (premeditated phrases), both long and short, which can be learned by any person of modicum skill. This is not manodharma sangitha and is an unwelcome malpractice, unless it is sparsely sued as a decorative feature. What is more risky is that when one gets into this rut, it is difficult to get out of it! Even so is the case with the facet of alapana.
It is advisable to listen to the music of the masters but have original creativity. Early bloom should not be allowed to fade early. Mallepudi Venkata Raja on the mridangam and B.V.S Prasad on the ghatam were not of professional standards although they tried to do their best. All in all, it is better the well-wishers wait some more time before they put Rahul on the stage.
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