Young Carnatic singer Sivaskari Skandaprasad. , Photo Courtesy: The Hindu Archives

With a young team of expert and experienced accompanists in Pradeshchar (violin), Adamya Ramanand (Mridangam) and Karthik Ravikumar (Ghatam), Shivshree Skandaprasad presented a brilliant display of music and mathematics. Performing at the Fort High School grounds for the Sri Ramnavami Seva celebrations in Bengaluru, her amazingly diverse singing made each song a delight.

Shivshree displayed changing emotions in her singing. He started with the slow-paced Mohanam Varnam ‘Ninnu Kori’. She switched from Charanam to Madhyam Kala. A relaxing Manirangu raga for the Dixit composition ‘Mamav Pattabhiram’ suited the occasion. Due to his clear pronunciation one could enjoy the phrases and vowel combinations. The rendition of Kamavardhini raga was brilliantly conceived and executed. The medium art phrases and Briggs’s time-tested communication in the mix reflected the catchy aspects of the raga.

The rare Tyagaraja composition ‘Naradmuni’ was tagged with Niraval in ‘Narayana Nammulanu’ with intelligent and comfortable intonation.

He surprised the audience by taking Ugbhogha in detail as a prelude to Dasa’s ‘Yama Nelli Kanendu’. It appears that he has reserved his hold on raga and mathematics for his detailed treatment of this Dussehra pada. Its raga Shivaranjini was shining with soft and deep notes. The soothing communication across all the statics brought out the essence of the song. ‘Bogendra Sainam’ sets a vibrant mood for the upcoming Kalyani raga portrayal. Purandaradasa’s ‘Anjikinnatakayya’ (in Purandavittala with Neraval and swaras) that followed was a systematic and thought-provoking presentation.

Shivashree’s singing can serve as an inspiration for young Carnatic lovers.