Mridangam to the beats

In an attempt to weave an ethereal bond between rhythms and varied musical instruments; the city will be treated to a percussion extravaganza of sorts,  titled ‘When Mrudangam plays the Thaayambaka’ by Padma Vibhushana, Sangeeta Kalanidhi Dr Umayalpuram K Sivaraman. We caught up with the team, which is all set to bring Bengaluru alive through a soulful evening of Mridangam...

“Playing a chenda solo on the mridangam is a tough task. It is the coming together of two distinct instruments, which requires the synchronisation and the precision of expertly hands. Dr. Umayalpuram K Sivaraman will be putting up this show in six tempos, accompanied by two chenda artistes. The idea is to showcase the beautiful merger that is created with the coming together of two strong instruments,” shares Gayathri Krishna, managing trustee, Bhoomija.

An offshoot of his most signature styles and rhythms,  Dr Umayalpuram K Sivaraman sheds light on the forthcoming performance, “The percussion solo of Chenda, in the company of a few Chenda bass drums and a few Ela Thaalams (big, deep throated cymbals), is known as Thaayambaka. This solo goes on for at least an hour, covering the “shatkaalas” (six tempos), in arithmetical progression, weaving the best of percussive artistry and ending in a thunderous crescendo.

To the discerning audiences of Bengaluru, I want to present the Thaayambaka on the Mrudangam. I believe the city has a voracious knowledge and understanding of music. Music knows no language and genres. It’s something that needs to resonate and build the connect. As a musician, the idea gives me a high as it’s a one of a kind concept that we’re trying to emulate. And I’m certain any unique beat will have takers in Bengaluru.” 

The one day show, which will see Dr Umayalpuram K Sivaraman on stage for the first time in the city, will also have Bengaluru-based artistes Giridhar Udupa (Ghatam), Guru Prasanna (Khanjira), Vinodh Raveendranath and Madhu (Chenda), Adharsh and Suraj (Elathaalamby ) and Hariharan (Thaalam).

Cinematographed by GS Bhaskar, who will be directing the visuals of the show, he tells us how the concept has been designed to ensure that the audiences get an up close glimpse of the maestro’s hands as he negotiates the tempos.

“Considering that the performance is a chorus of percussionists of sorts; we’ve ensured the stage is set up and designed in a way that the audience gets an up close view of the maestro, amidst the army of performing artistes. Also, the concept has been structured with high energy vibes. It’s not everyday that one gets to see a maestro perform live. That said, we’ve added elements of fusion to excite the free-spirited music lover,” he concludes.

The show will take place on July 24, 7 pm, MLR Convention Centre,JP Nagar