Hemmige S. Prashanth’s concert was rooted in K.V. Narayanaswamy’s bani

Hemmige S. Prashanth recently captivated audiences with a concert that served as a profound homage to the artistic vision of his illustrious guru, the legendary K.V. Narayanaswamy. The performance was not merely a presentation of compositions but an immersive experience, deeply resonant with a cherished musical lineage.

Prashanth’s masterful delivery was complemented by an exceptional ensemble: V.S.P. Gayatri Sivani on the violin, V.R. Srinivasan on the mridangam, and Trichy Murali on the ghatam. Together, they navigated a meticulously curated repertoire that unfolded throughout the evening.

The program commenced with the vibrant Nattai varnam, ‘Sarasijanaabha’, a creation of Palakkad Parameshwara Bhagavatar. Following this traditional opening, Prashanth ventured into a less frequently performed gem: the Kedaram composition, ‘Tyagaraja gurum ashraye’.

This intricate kriti, composed by M.D. Ramanathan as an homage to Tyagaraja, is set in Tisra Adi tala. Demonstrating a profound understanding of classical structure, it was crafted in the esteemed Dikshitar mould, replete with a captivating madhyama kala sahityam. A testament to its rich compositional depth, the piece artfully incorporates both the distinctive raga mudra and the composer’s own signature.