Blessings from Shankar

12 April 2012
The Weekender

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In a surprise introduction to this celebration of South Indian (Karnatic) classical music, a frail-looking Ravi Shankar blessed the leader of the percussion septet Sapthaakshara, about to play.

Vinayakaram was visibly moved. His modesty matches that of his instrument - an earthenware pot (ghatam), which he transformed into a magical drum, coaxing unimaginable sounds by slapping, tickling, cupping, thudding, using fingers and thumbs, palms and forearms, and cutting up rhythms with the mathematical precision which characterises Karnatic music.

Seated cross-legged in an arc, the musicians unfolded an ecstatic display beginning with Shiva's dance, accompanied by the singer's soft hand-claps and rhythm counting on his fingers, the ghatam drumming, and drones emerging from electronic harmonium and dulcimer-like vina. A typical Karnatic song, composed of fast-scatted syllables and racing rhythms, required audience participation, then a sublime raga showcased the virtuoso young singer with Bollywood looks, V. Ulma Mahesh. Vinayakaram's solo was a masterclass in technique and expression; Ravi Shankar accompanied it with delicate hand-dancing.

After the interval, tabla player Anindo Chatterjee brought a fresh North Indian tone, and pianist Joel Almeida and bass player Jonas Elba injected an upbeat fusion element. To close, The Elephant's Dance returned us to the compelling Southern folk terrain. Then, instead of basking in deserved glory, Vinayakaram led the musicians to be blessed with the audience by the man who was a focus all night without playing a note: Ravi Shankar.

Showing at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

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