Mridang Vadan by Balázs Virágh

This recording showcases a traditional Pakhawaj solo accompanied by Sarangi. The piece commences with a 16-beat rhythm cycle known as Aaditaal, featuring an invocation to Ganeshji referred to as “Shri Ganesh Vandana”. This serves as a traditional prelude to the Pakhawaj solo in the Shri Nathdwara Gharana. Subsequently, the performance takes us through various facets of the Pakhawaj repertoire, transitioning from shorter to more elaborate rhythmic patterns. The rhythmic pattern reaches its culmination with a remarkable composition known as "Kaliya Daman." This composition intricately narrates the tale of Krishna's triumph over the serpent Kaliya Naga in the waters of Yamuna. The composition was written by Mridangacharya Pandit Totaram Sharma, the great stalwart of the Shri Nathdwara Gharana. Moving into the second rhythm cycle, Chautaal of 12 beats, the piece concludes with a dynamic display of swift-paced rhythms, bringing this musical journey to a close.

Balázs Virágh is a Hungarian musician with a deep passion for Indian classical music, specializing in the Pakhawaj, an ancient percussion instrument under the guidance of Pt. Mohan Shyam Sharma of Shri Nathdwara Gharana. With over a decade of training in Indian classical music, Balázs has dedicated himself to mastering the intricacies of this remarkable instrument.

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