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Lalgudi G.Jayaraman, artiste par excellence,
stepped into the threshold of the eight decade of his illustrious
existence on September 17. It is matter of pride and a privileage
to take this opportunity through these colums to reflect on
the respect and appreciation that he has received from on
eand lal for his significant contribution to Carnatic Music.
It is no exaggeration that the firmament of South Indian Music
has been considerably enriched by Lalgudi Jayrama in more
ways that one, for he is artist whose amazing vision has stirred
the “Sagara” of Carnatic Music to introduce wider
meaningful, dimension that have come to stay. Many small towns
in the South such as Ariyakudi, Maharajapuram, Chembai, Semmangudi,
Musiri and other have become synonymous with those of great
vidwans.
The village of Lalgudi is not only identified with the Maestro
but also with the violin. Jayaraman has engraved his name
firmly in the spheres of performing, composing, teaching,
conducting and organizing. His educative, entertaining lecture
demonstrations studded with wit and pithy humour have been
warmly welcomed by discerning rasikas. They have served as
beacon lights not only to youthful aspirants but also to senior
musicians.
His meteoric climb to the portals of greatness was largely
due to his razor sharp mind, and most important an iron resolve
and ceaseless perseverance throughout the long years to achieve
exalted standards of excellence. His staple diet from a tender
age was music and the Spartan grooming that he received from
his Guru and father Lalgudi Gopala Iyer during his novitiate
has made him what he is today.
Even during the early days of his career, he had the capacity
to appreciate the positive aspects in the art of great masters
and merge them with his own artistic skills. An inherent,
creative talent, a brain that had a computer-like storage
capacity and the daring to coolly pick up all the gauntlets
thrown by the main performer in the public concert, were the
firm stepping stones for his having reached stratospheric
levels of musicianship. In the words of George Moore, an artiste
is either before his time or behind it - Lalgudi most certainly
belongs to the first category. Some of his varnams and thillanas
composed nearly 40 years ago bear ample testament to his rare
musical sagacity in the sense that they have captured the
imagination of both performers and the public and have grown
increasingly popular with the passage of time.
Having been closely associated with all time greats like
Mudicondan Venkatarama Iyer, Musiri, Ariyakudi, Semmangudi,
Madurai Mani Iyer, G.N.Balasubramaniam, Alathoor brothers
and others, he leaves and indelible stamp as an accompanist
with brilliant artistic acumen, shrewdly anticipating the
musical thoughts of the center stage performer, yet keeping
in control the temptation to steal a march over him and that
is what concert ethics are all about.
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