Striking a chord with Benares gharana

SD Sharma

Chandigarh, August 11

Versatile classical vocalist Anisha Ray, a doyenne of the Benares ghrana gave a serene and scintillating performance during the 237th edition of the Baithak Series Concert, organised by  the Pracheen Kala Kendra at Mini Tagore Theatre here today.

An expert in khayal gayaki and endowed with melodious voice, Anisha began her recital, exposing salient features of Raga Maru Bihag through an elaborate alaap and bada khayal composition “Ee ri hum jaat rahi….” .  It was followed by a slow-paced bandish “Murli Adhar Dhari”, which melted into a faster lya composition “Jane do balma”. Anisha provided a befitting finale to her recital with a Bhairavi in a fast tempo bandish “Sham Sunder Madan Mohan”, displaying her dexterity in soulful renditions embellished with soothingly inserted alaap badhat and taans, exploring the lower and higher musical octaves with consummate ease.