Pt Vinayak Torvi/ Hindustani classical vocal

BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Pandit Vinayak Torvi/ Hindustani classical vocal

Details: Pratahswar concert, October 31 2021, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Mumbai 

Photo courtesy: Pancham Nishad

Rating: ****

At the crack of the Sunday dawn, Pandit Vinayak Torvi began the opening notes of raag Bilaskhani Todi. The vilambit composition 'Hey Mahadev' was followed by the drut 'Janu Janu Re', as the vocalist displayed his flawless command over the swaras.

It was the 115th part of Pancham Nishad's Pratahswar early morning concert series, which has become a regular feature at the open air area of Ravindra Natya Mandir, Prabhadevi, in the non-monsoon months. Though things had stopped during the pandemic, barring a few shows between the first and second waves, this was a welcome sign for classical fans.

Pratahswar has developed a regular following over the years. Though most people come from the belt between Mahim and Worli, some aficionados travel the distance early in the morning. Torvi was to perform last year but things got postponed.

For over two hours, the moderately-sized audience was treated to a mix of rare and known compositions. Bilaskhani Todi was followed by 'Sagari Rain Jage' in raag Ramkali, with people recalling Pandit Bhimsen Joshi's rendition.

In fact, Torvi began by dedicating the recital to his gurus Pandit Gururao Deshpande and Pandit Bhimsen Joshi. During one of the compositions in Jaunpuri, he made reference to Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, who also guided him. Though he mainly uses the Gwalior and Kirana techniques, his renditions also showed glimpses of the Jaipur-Atrauli and Agra gayaki.

The maestro was accompanied by Mandar Puranik on tabla and Siddhesh Bicholkar on harmonium. His young disciple Siddharth Belmannu provided vocal sangat, complementing him naturally. The popular Jayant Naidu was on tanpura.

A highlight was the raag Ahlaiya Bilawal bandish 'Kawan Batariya Gailo', often rendered by Kishori Amonkar. He concluded with two Marathi abhangs 'Zala Mahaar Pandharinath' and Sant Tukaram's Bhairavi finale 'Deva Majha Mee Devacha'. One, however, wished he had also included a Kannada bhajan.

Originally from Ranebennur, Karnataka, Torvi did his higher musical studies in Dharwad. His recordings and live performances are adequately available on YouTube, and one can check out his renditions of Durga, Bihag, Kalavati, Miyan Ki Malhar, Bilaskhani Todi, Bageshri, Tilak Kamod, Marwa and Jog, besides some extensive workshops. There's a wealth of music out there.