A Rare Video of Radha Vishwanathan Singing Abhogi Raga Alapana, 1978.

While the entire world continuously sings the praises of MS Subbulakshmi, there was one person in her life who truly held her fort. She memorised her lyrics, served as a musical companion who prompted her whenever she forgot, learned songs by her side, and acquired a vast repertoire from various masters. She became a voice so in communion with MSS that listeners felt as though a single person were singing. The 1970s marked the peak of Radha Viswanathan, who sang many complex pallavis with her on stage and ventured into several raga alapanas. There were specific ragas she adored, which MSS would generously allow her to sing on stage. Here is one such raga exposition undertaken by Radha Viswanathan - an absolute treat to behold, reflecting the erudite musician she was, complete with her mother’s shruti shuddham and flawless akarams. Violin : Dwaram Mangatayaru