On Sunday Oct. 8, Crowell Concert Hall reverberated with the melodic voice of B. Balasubrahmaniyan, an emerging master of South Indian singing and Adjunct Music Instructor at Wesleyan. Balasubrahmaniyan, also known as Balu, was accompanied by Rusty Gillette on the drum-like ghatam, renowned violinist Anantha Krishnan, and Wesleyan’s own Artist-in-Residence, David Nelson, who played the mridangam, a percussion instrument. Balu’s impressive vocal performance, lasting nearly two hours and encompassing a range of songs, provided listeners with a wide sampling of South Indian vocal music.
The performance began with Balu seated cross-legged, surrounded by his accompanying musicians. The artists commenced with a brief warm-up before embarking on the concert’s first set. Some of the songs were interpreted and provided information about South Indian religion and philosophy, while others took on a more romantic, even erotic, tone. The combination of songs ensured a complementary mixture of spirituality and artistic creativity.
Throughout every song, the captivated audience appeared to be fully engaged with the melody of the music.
“I really enjoyed the richness of his voice and the ease with which he seemed to sing;” said Chris Dieck ’07.
As a student of South Indian Music, Dieck felt that he better understood what was happening throughout the performance. Although the lyrics (alternately in Telegu, Sanskrit, and Tamil) were indiscernible to Anglophone ears, the tone and emotion in Balu’s voice conveyed the feeling of the songs, and remained steady and clear throughout the entire performance.
In addition to Balu’s vocal prowess, listeners were treated to the musical skill of Gillette, Krishnan, and Nelson. Gillette’s enthusiastic playing of the ghatan showcased his expertise and love for Carnatic percussion. Throughout the performance, Gillette’s drumbeats were intensely focused. Hands drumming fast, head nodding to the beat, shirt-sleeves fluttering in the breeze, Gillette’s enthusiasm and energy made the performance all the more stimulating.
In addition to the musical showcase in Crowell, the final day of the Navaratri Festival also included Saraswati Puja (Hindu ceremony) at the World Music Hall. This religious service celebrates the victory of good over evil and is believed to be the most favorable day of the year for beginning new endeavors in learning and the arts. Attendees were encouraged to bring instruments and song lyrics for a special blessing.
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