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If the small, sleepy hamlet, Lalgudi,
of the 30's and 40's has received international recognition
today in the spheres of Indian art and culture, it can be
asserted with no risk of contradiction that it is entirely
due to the awesome contribution of violin maestro Lalgudi
G. Jayaraman to the unique art form of Carnatic Music. While
talking about the genius of Lalgudi one is reminded of a Sanksrit
proverb which says "The cow is drawn by music, the child
is lulled by it, the serpent is enslaved by it, the man who
does not feel the power of music is only an animal without
a tail". So is the man who does not feel the power of
Lalgudi's music.
His worthy son and disciple G J R Krishnan is a superb chip
off the old block. Raised in an atmosphere redolent of sublime,
divine music, Krishnan has metamorphosed into an outstanding
musician, much sought after by various prestigious cultural
institutions within the country and abroad. Krishnan began
his musical training at the tender age of five under the watchful
guidance of his illustrious grandfather Lalgudi Gopala Iyer
who belonged to the enviable sishya parampara of Sri Tyagaraja
himself. His art was honed to perfection by his father, and
if he has carved an elevated niche for himself as a top ranking
violinist, it is all due to the Spartan, disciplined, focused
training that he has received. The Lalgudi Bani is unique
in the sense that it comes closest to the gayaki style of
musical expression with the sahitya and the emotions embedded
in the composition emerging loud and clear. Krishnan has creditably
internalized this exquisite quality of violin playing and
is recognized by the lay and the cognoscenti as an artiste
of remarkable merit. He maintains a judicious balance of aesthetics
and grammar, not sacrificing one at the altar of the other.
His debut in 1973, marked the entry of a radiant, brilliant,
incandescent star in the constellation of South Indian Music.
He soon won widespread acclaim, and a truly appreciative fan
following has increased by leaps and bounds throughout the
years. Krishan in addition to his solos, duets and trio concerts
along with Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman and his sister Lalgudi Vijayalakshmi,
has also been featured in several Jugalbandhi concerts with
leading Hindustani musicians. Krishnan's vision, temperament
and the positive attitude to experiment have also motivated
him to interact with Western Musicians. As an accompanist,
he has had the singular privilege of playing for no less than
the Bhishma Pitha Maha Semmagudi Srinivasa Iyer, T.N. Seshagopalan,
Maharajapuram Santhanam, T.V Sankaranarayanan, D.K Jayaraman
and Nedunuri Krishnamurthi emerging with flying colours on
every occasion. His music represents the quintessenceof classical,
Karnatak Music, and is underlined by pristine purity, lucidity,
imagination, innovation, immaculate laya, superb clarity,
clean, strong bowing and a deep sense of passion and involvement
in his chosen vocation. His performances far and wide in Singapore,
Malaysia, Hong Kong, Italy, West Germany, U.S.A., Canada,
the Middle East and Greece have received rave reviews. He
has also participated in the Festivals of India held in the
U.K.(1983), the U.S.A(1985) and the former Soviet Union(1988).
Krishnan and Vijayalakshmi have presented innumerable violin
duets in India and many foreign countries. The perfect understanding
between the siblings, concentrated practice, a fierce determination
to excel, an acute aesthetic sensitivity, total laya control
and keen enthusiasm to expand their horizons have all helped
them to be categorized as the top violin artistes in the contemporary
scenario.
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