'Dasavatara
Suladi' by disciples of Dr. Uma Rama Rao steals the show
- Dr. TLS
Bhaskar, Hyderabad
June
16, 2009
Lasya Priya, the
Academy of Indian Dances and Centre for Higher Learning and Research conducted
Sesha Smruti on 28 May at NTR Auditorium, Sri Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University,
Hyderabad, in memory of philanthropist V Seshacharyulu on his second vardhanti.
On the occasion, Dasavatara Suladi, an exceptional excerpt from the unique
Tirumala Music Inscription in Sanskrit was presented. The unequalled piece
describes the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu in ten songs set to a single
Malavagoula Raga in different ancient Suladi talas like Tivuda, Ragana,
Mathyam, Choupada-dolam, Racham etc.
The 15th century
Tirumala Music Inscription discovered in Tirumala precincts and which took
50 years to be deciphered was brought out by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam
in 1999 as an outcome of arduous multi-disciplinary research undertaken
by stalwarts in the fields of epigraphy, musicology, language and literature.
The chiselled stone inscription was accidentally found by Vidwan AV Srinivasacharyulu
and is considered as the first known inscription in India containing songs
in actual svara notations. Legend has it that it may have been authored
by Tallapaka poets. During the first ever Annamacharya Utsava held in 1949,
celebrated researcher and scholar late Veturi Prabhakara Sastry narrated
the blissful experience of unearthing this rare find of melody and rhythm.
Inspired by
its content that has profound spiritual and lyrical value, a humble attempt
has been successfully made by Guru Dr. Uma Rama Rao to choreograph the
piece blending with intricate rhythmic patterns. The presentation included
appropriate dance expression to create an aesthetic pleasure for both artistes
and audience. The spectators also felt the triple aspect of the presentation,
a Triveni Sangam of music, dance and lyrics. The lyrics, music, orchestration
and dance were all competing with and complimenting each other. The master
and the artistes deserve a lot of appreciation for the effort.
Dancer Ragasudha
Vinjamuri opened the evening with Beejakshara Stotra and Ganapati Vandanam,
followed by Annamacharya composition Vinnapaalu Vinavale. Her expression
while surrendering to the Lord at the end of this keertana was full of
devotional ecstasy. She was graceful with crisp expressions and elegant
movements. She stole the show depicting Narasimhavatara in the Suladi item.
Other participating artistes Srilekha Kocherlakota, Sindhoora Murthy and
Charvee kept the audience enchanted in different avataras and descriptions.
Siva Chandra as Vamanavatara, Priyamvada as Prahlada and Maya as young
Krishna excelled in their roles. In a nutshell, it was an unexpectedly
beautiful program unlike many routine programs taking place in the city.
The traditional depiction of Dasavatara was appreciated by eminent, elite
and culture enthusiasts alike. The fervour and fibre with which the entire
troupe has rendered a tremendous performance was worth appreciating the
experimentation.
Ragasudha
|
Narasimhavataram
|
Krishnavataram
|
Seminar on Suladi
|
Climax
|
The dance presentation
was preceded by a discourse seminar on the Suladi composition by editorial
consultants Prof. Veturi Ananda Murthy, Prof. Ravva Srihari, Vidvan Akella
Mallikarjuna Sarma, and nonagenarian Mahamahopadhyaya Prof. Pullela Ramachandrudu,
all mightily acclaimed experts in their respective fields. Vice Chancellor
of PSTU, Anumandla Bhoomaiah, chief guest of the program honoured the artistes
with mementos. Dancers Madhavimala Sarvepalli, Vanaja Uday and Ragasudha
Vinjamuri honoured the eminent guests on the stage. The program was patronised
by the Rapatwars.
Dr. TLS Bhaskar is an independent
researcher on TeluguDiaspora.com |
