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It is not enough to appreciate Ramabhadran
as a supporting artiste of eminence. In the world of instrumental
music, it is rare to find an artiste of merit rolled into
an accompanist as well as a solo player. Mr. Ramabhadran is
cast into such a mould by his illustrious father Konakkal
Sri Gopalachariar. His Thani in a concert is always short
and sweet. It would always enhance the musical recital without
the displaying of technical exuberance. It is his firm belief
that a Mridangist shares one third responsibility in making
a concert successful. His support with the audience is never
dull and tedious expections. No wonder he is sought after
by leading musicians of different generations - nearly five
decades. Fortunately, the Octogenarian doyen of Carnatic Music
Semmangudi Sri Srinivasa Iyer is foremost Vocalist in encouraging
him as an accompanist. Stalwarts of the past like Chembai
Sri Vaidhyanatha Bhagavadar, Maharajapuram Sri Viswanatha
Iyer, Ariyakudi Sri Ramanuja Iyer, Madurai Sri Mani Iyer,
Musiri Sri Subramania Iyer, Sri G.N.Balasubramaniam, Maharajapuram
Sri Santhanam liked to have him as an accompanist.
Mr. Ramabhadran has also participated in Tala Vadya ensembles
an Jugalbandis all over and abroad. At Music Academy during
the Presidentship of Sri D.K.Jayaraman he spoke on the technique
of playing Mridangam especially for Kirtanas. He had also
given demonstration lessons in USA and London.
Ramabhadran as an accompanist of solo instrumental music
he is superb. He played for veteran flutist Sri T.R.Mahalingam
and other top ranking instrumental musicians of Veena and
Chitra Veena including the violin maestro Lalgudi Sri Jayaraman,
Prof. Sri T.N.Krishnan, Dwaram Sri Venkatasami Naidu and others.
Ramabhadran takes pride in having played for almost all the
performances given by Sri Lalgudi both in India and abroad.
Ramabhadran is a recepient of several awards and honours
like Sangeetha Choodamani, Kalaimamani, Talavilas, Sri Chowdiah
Memorial Award, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, etc. The rotary
club of Madras-East presented Vocational Service Award for
the year 1991 for his excellent contribution in his vacation.
In January 1994 Sankranti Sangeet Utsav by Murugappa Group
paid its tribute as a Master of great skill.
The unofficial praises showered by the giants of music world
reveal his dexterity of handling the instrument, Mridangam.
As early as 1975 - the Mridangam Maestro Palghat Sri Mani
Iyer referred his skill as - "Brahma Layam" meaning,
intuition to translate what he feels, to his fingers. The
humorous Ariyakudi called him 'Nadhabhadran' when Ramabhadran
was forced to play in the place of Palghat Sri Mani Iyer.
These two honorifies sum up, what is Ramabhadran! Notwithstanding
these decorations Ramabhadran is unassuming and contended,
beloved of rasikas as well as artistes.
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