On YouTube is a K.V. Narayanaswamy concert (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stbaZ4s3dZ4) listing co-artistes M. Chandrasekaran, Umayalpuram Sivaraman and G. Harishankar. Presenting ‘Vathapi ganapathim’ after a shloka, KVN sings a classic sangati at the 2-minute 52-second mark when, suddenly, mid-line, the kanjira comes in – for all of 9-10 aksharams – clear, ringing, and a goosebump moment. The effect lingers, illustrating the power of accompanying artistes at their skilled, appropriate and elevating best.
Though identified by the headliner’s name, Carnatic concerts are, in fact, teamwork — the accompanying artistes are an indivisible part of the overall experience. An ideal accompanist is one whose contribution cannot be decanted from the overall concert.
Has accompaniment evolved in the last 50-70 years? At the overarching level, at least three aspects are observed.
Firstly, very few male musicians performed alongside women earlier. Now, though the oldest vanguard…