Fusion of east and west

The exponential performances by the classical music stalwarts is not new to city. But the experimentation of native classical music with that of the west is hitherto unknown for many of us. "A Musical Tribute to India"- a concert by the Germany's Leipzig Philharmonic Chamber of Orchestra along with renowned violin exponent Dr L Subramaniam unfolded the new vistas of orchestral opportunities (Western) for both Western and Carnatic fusion in a redefined way.
Directed by German Music Director and Conductor Dr Michael Kohler, the two-and-a-half hour orchestra at the Chowdaiah Memorial Hall was nothing but a conspicuous success for the hard efforts of more than 25 musicians from Germany as well as India. Besides rendering soul stirring compositions, the show captivated the audience with much enjoyed and applauded compositions by the legendary violinist of our country Padmabhushan Dr L Subramaniam --- Spring Rhapsody and Turbulence. Both the pieces along with some of the technical compositions by Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Haydn and Strauss were received well and impulsive coordination among the violinists helped audience in exploring the intricacies of these complex compositions.
Beginning with Mendelssohn's composition "The Hebrides Overture" which has become a mandatory part of standard orchestral repertoire in the west, the rare musical journey with committed musicians who were both professionals and students brought the audience to standstill with compositions of Beethoven and Mozart before juxtaposing the notes of western classical with the magical notes of 'God of Indian Violin' Dr L Subramaniam.
"Spring Rhapsody", a composition of Dr L Subramaniam rendered through the classical western style. The slow initiation of the composition by the solo flutist and joining of violinists at the later course revealed the exponential quality of the Dr Saab and the hypnotic symmetry maintained by the players under the direction of Dr Kohler was heard like an ethereal performance. The timely entry of the violin maestro along with percussionist who set themselves on a musical race demonstrated that both the forms of music despite the intriguing technical difference can mingle well and captivate audience like any normal rendition. Subramaniam's characteristic piece "Turbulence" composed for the Swiss Romande Orchestra, characterised with the percussion ensemble provided the audience with an insight into his mastery over the form.