Sloka in raga Begada by GN Balasubramaniam and Lalgudi G Jayaraman

This sloka is great example of artistic flamboyance from two different artists that comes together perfectly. Two things stand out clearly in this rendition: GN Balasubramaniam’s brukas, and his phrase development. There was a constant search for something “new”. Notice how the bruka at 1:54 inspired GNB to build on that phrase and create many more around it.

Lalgudi G Jayaraman shows grandeur in his own. The way Lalgudi accompanied GNB and mirrors the legend’s phrases (including the supersonic brikas) at the age of 24 is something that baffles me. At certain sections during GNB's sloka, there is constant bowing by LGJ that adds another layer of sound thus transforming the listener's experience. This also serving a practical purpose of helping GNB with his exploration. LGJ's solo is a contrasting response to GNB's exploration. This show his level of maturity at that age and a clear understanding of Begada and its sound scape.

Performed in Kallidaikurichi, 1954.