Concert themed on Dasavataram

Vignesh Ishwar chose the perfect raga and song to describe each of the avatars of Vishnu

Thematic concerts demand more diligent research, meticulous planning and flawless execution than the usual recitals. Vignesh Ishwar’s recent ‘Dasavataram’ concert for Naada Inbam was a perfect blueprint for this kind of presentation. He commenced with a Periyazhwar Pasuram, ‘Devudaiya meenamaay’, explaining the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu to Andal. For Matsyavatar, Vignesh chose verses of Vadiraja Swamy, starting with ‘Proshteesa vigraha su’. He aptly rendered it in raga Jalarnava (Khanda Chapu talam). Vadiraja Swamy speaks of how, at the end of the Yuga, the Matsya uses his horn to support the vahana that keeps everyone afloat during the deluge. For Kurmavatar, the second avatar, Vignesh chose Periyazhwar’s Pasuram, ‘Malai mugadu mel vaiththu vasukiyaichutri’ in a brilliant Atana. His expansive swaraprastara drew an equally splendid response from R.K. Shriramkumar on the violin. After a magnificent alapana in Sri, Vignesh sang Purandaradasa’s Devarnama, ‘Adi varahana’ (Misra Chapu) for Varaha avatar. Shriramkumar’s elucidation of Sri was equally soothing. “The inability to perceive the sacred feet of Lord Adi Varaha has hurt my eyes,” says the composer.