A little more spark would have added appeal to Venkatanagarajan’s renditions

Venkatanagarajan, a young talent well-prepared for concert performances, demonstrated impressive musical composure and self-confidence during his concert for the Indian Fine Arts Society. While he showed great potential, there were periods where the concert seemed to lack direction, indicating he might still be finding his footing. Venkatanagarajan commenced the concert confidently with double-tempo Nattai varnam (‘Ela danu’, M. Balamuralikrishna), and his performance of ‘Chalamelara Saketharama’ (Margahindolam, Tyagaraja) demonstrated his competence. Venkatanagarajan ably showcased Asaveri raga with the kriti, ‘Janakaja sametha’ (Tyagaraja, Rupakam), and exhibited proficient laya competencies. His performance of the Ritigowlai piece was the standout of the concert, despite it being brief. However, the chance to showcase a different rhythmic pattern was missed. Both Venkatanagarajan and the violinist Karaikal Venkatasubramaniam, who supported him, delivered elegant swara korvais that were simplistic. The concert was part of the Indian Fine Arts Society’s 91st South Indian Music Conference and Festival and was conducted on December 23, 2023, at Ethiraja Kalyana Nilayam, Mylapore. Although the Mayamalavagowla (‘Merusamana’, Tyagaraja) was meant to be the concert’s focal piece, it was performed maturely but lacked excitement. The recitation of ‘Yarendru raghavanai’ was resonant and vivid, but it may have been more appropriately placed earlier in the routine. Karaikal Venkatasubramaniam played the violin equivalently during the show, although his performance during the Asaveri was uncertain. Mridangist M. S. Venkatasubramaniam, with his hopeful style, was able to predict Venkatanagarajan's laya movements accurately. Although Venkatanagarajan possesses a powerful voice, it lacked the necessary subtle touch for sensitive singing. The concert was a single tempo one, so there were no drastic variations in the kalapramana and his full ability could not be determined. His commitment to traditional styling is commendable and will aid his future progression.