Enjoy this recital by the torch-bearers of the legendary Lalgudi family of Carnatic music in India – the siblings Krishnan and Vijayalakshmi, regaling Darbar audiences to a standing ovation with Raag Mukhari and Dharmavati.

Darbar endeavours to present both the North and South Indian classical repertoires at the festival every year, bringing to you the most authentic musicians and forms. Indian classical music is taught the oral tradition of Guru-shishya parampara. Since this music dates back to centuries ago, often you will come across families such as the Lalgudis who’s generations are steeped in this rich tradition, passing on the art in its most authentic form from one generation to the other. The Lalgudi siblings are a sparkling example of this tradition who present Carnatic music in its purest form without any attempt at sensationalism or to playing to the gallery.

The siblings play chiseled phrases creating an ambience of melody. The improvisations are played alternately and on multiple strings, enhancing the aural effect of the Thyagaraja composition manifold. The evocative Dharmavati showcases the essence of the Lalgudi bani through the deeply emotive and delightfully packaged elaboration by the duo.

In a heart-warming interview, the siblings share facts about how the violin, a western classical instrument, came to be used in Carnatic classical music. They also throw light on their music, cheerfully relating how they maintain a healthy sibling rivalry as musicians and how well they can read and contemplate each other’s minds.

Sankaran and Udupa provide accompaniment par excellence, playing a totally different line of melody-based support, bringing in gleaming moments and frissons of excitement into the recital and making it wholesome.

Lalgudi GJR Krishnan (Carnatic violin)
Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi (Carnatic violin)
Trichy Sankaran (mridangam)
Giridhar Udupa (ghatam)
Mithila Sarma (tanpura)
Ragas: Mukhari & Dharmavati