Melb Celebrates GNB

Nandini Nagasundaram

Shri G N Balasubramaniam was one of the most popular and talented carnatic vocalists of the twentieth century. In what would have been his hundredth year, my Gurus, Sri Ramnath Iyer and Sri Gopinath Iyer co-ordinated a centenary concert held in the memory of the great legend.

On November 22nd 2009, carnatic rasikas of Melbourne gathered at Glen Iris Uniting Church and Community Centre to be part of this unique event. The concert featured a gathering of music teachers of Melbourne, who each presented a few pieces that were either compositions of GNB or were popularised by him. As Sri Murali Kumar aptly mentioned, some of the kritis were popularised by GNB to such an extent that people very frequently called them “GNB songs” rather than remembering the actual composers!

Smt Uthra Vijayaraghavan started off the evening with GNB’s popular composition ‘Karimukha Varada’ in ragam Naatai. Other artistes of the night included Sri Ravi Ravichandira on the mridangam, Smt Narmadha Ravichandira on vocal and violin, Sri Murali Kumar on violin, Smt Vasumathi Subramanian on vocal, Sri Sridhar Chari on Mridangam and Sri Ramnath Iyer and Sri Gopinath Iyer on the Veena. Each artist showcased a few popular compositions that best highlighted GNB’s contribution and treated the audience to a rainbow of ragams such as Ranjani, Bahudari, Saveri, and Hindolam to mention a few. The Iyer Brothers also performed a rare and beautiful varnam composed by GNB in the ragam Varali.

In addition to the musical tribute paid to GNB, there were two special audio-video presentations that evening. The first was produced by none other than the grandson of GNB, Sri Mahesh G Bhuvaneshawaran. He gave an in depth insight on the great GNB Baani or style highlighting the traits that made it “so very GNB” and enlightened the audience on the finer aspects of the musical genius. One of the interesting aspects he mentioned was of ‘graha bedham’ [Melodic Scale change] incorporated by GNB in the early 1940s which was initially frowned upon by some of the musical experts of the time. Hearing snippets of the musician at work was simply thrilling and as many of us did not have the fortune of hearing him live, audio clippings were the next best source listened to in context, it added meaning and depth of understanding of this stalwart.

The second presentation was brought by local carnatic enthusiast Sri Mohan Krishnamoorthy who mainly concentrated on the life and contributions of GNB. It was interesting to hear about GNB’s colourful life including his appearances in films such as Baama Vijayam and the box office hit Shakuntalai and how they affected his musical career. At the end of the night, I not only felt that I had learnt a lot more about GNB the genius but the  journey helped me gain a deeper understanding of his music, his knowledge and his style. I am so thankful that such an event was organised in honour of the legendary GNB whose music continues to enchant audiences worldwide even today.

Tags: gnb, indian classical melbourne, melbourne indian